Question

What are the various precautions to be taken while reading a clinical thermometer?

Answer 1

The various precautions to be taken while reading a clinical thermometer are:

1. The thermometer should be washed before and after the use, preferably with an antiseptic solution.
2. Ensure that the mercury level is below 35${}^{\circ }$ C.
3. Read the thermometer keeping the level of the mercury along the line of sight.
4. Do not hold the thermometer bulb while reading.
5. Handle the thermometer with care, if it hits a hard object it will break.