Professional paper

https://doi.org/10.24141/2/2/1/4

The Difference in Body Temperature Measured on the Tympanic Membrane, in the Axilla and with Infrared Sensor Thermometer in Pulmonary Intensive Care Patients

Kornelija Erdelja ; University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Clinic for lung diseases Jordanovac, Zagreb, Croatia
Snježana Čukljek ; University of Applied Health Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia
Janko Babić ; University of Applied Health Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Introduction. Measurement of body temperature in an intensive care unit is a standard procedure that provides quick insight into the patient’s condition and possible changes in that condition. The measurement is carried out at different parts of the body and with the help of different thermometers. Patients in intensive care units are hemodynamically unstable, subjected to various invasive methods, and temperature indicates possible changes in their condition.

Aim. The aim of this research was to determine if there are differences between the body temperature values measured in the axilla, on the tympanic membrane and using the infrared sensor thermometer on the patient’s forehead with regard to the age, gender and the diagnosis of the patient.

Methods. The research was carried out in the Intensive Care Unit of the Clinic for lung diseases Jordanovac, in the period from January 2nd to July 2nd 2017. Author of the research did the measurements by herself during her work shifts. Research included 100 patients. Methods that were used were descriptive statistics (measures of central tendency, arithmetic mean, median and mod) and measures of variability (standard deviation, minimum and maximum). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was also conducted.

Results. A statistically significant difference was determined in the measured temperature values using the infrared sensor thermometer on the patients’ forehead which were higher than the axillary and tympanic temperatures in male patients, patients younger than 70 years and in patients with COPD.

Conclusion. It is important to choose the adequate method of body temperature measurement, taking into account the peculiarities and the clinical condition of the patient, and the advantages and disadvantages of each measurement procedure. It is necessary to combine or repeat measurements in order to be completely sure of the obtained values. In patients in pulmonary intensive care units taking axillary temperature is recommended.

Keywords

body temperature; tympanic membrane; axilla; infrared sensor thermometer

Hrčak ID:

203654

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/203654

Publication date:

29.6.2018.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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