How to read a clinical thermometer?
How to read a clinical thermometer?
How to Read a Mercury Thermometer?
Accurate body temperature readings can make a difference in treatment decisions. Reading a mercury thermometer is easy but require a bit of practice and skill.
Before Reading a Glass Mercury Thermometer
Because different models may have slightly different reading methods, one should first read manufacturer’s directions which comes with all mercury thermometers. The following are general guidelines for most of the mercury glass thermometers:
- Standard precautions like washing hands and wearing gloves if appropriate.
- Handle with care to prevent thermometer from chipping or breaking.
- Remove the probe cover and/or wipe the thermometer with a dry tissue from stem to bulb. Do not use an alcohol swab before reading the temperature reading.
- Remove cover. Wipe the thermometer with a dry tissue from stem to bulb. Do not use alcohol swab before reading the temperature.
- Hold the thermometer at eye level and parallel to the floor.
How to Read a Mercury Glass Thermometer?
Reading a Mercury Glass Thermometer properly is essential, both at home and hospital. Accurate checking of body temperature is vital for determining course of treatment or medication. One should read mercury thermometer immediately after taking the temperature. The temperature should be read to the closest line.
- In a Fahrenheit thermometer:
* Long lines indicate 1 degree.
* Short lines indicate 0.2 degree.
- While in a Celsius thermometer:
* Long lines indicate 1 degree or 0.5 degree.
* Short lines indicate 0.1 degree.
Most of the mercury thermometer, though, have dual scales.
One should be careful while reading temperatures between 100 degrees and 101 degrees, because many people mistakenly record or report the tenth of a degree as a whole degree. For example, 100.2 degrees is between 100 and 101 while 102 degrees is between 102 and 103. Avoid mistakes as it could result in inappropriate therapy. - Read Mercury Thermometer at Eye level
- Long lines on Fahrenheit scale indicate 1 degree
- Short lines on Fahrenheit scale indicate 0.2 degree
- Read Celsius scale to nearest 0.1 degree
- Read temperature to nearest lines
- After taking the temperature, hold the thermometer up to a light where you can see the mercury line and the numbers
- Rotate the thermometer until you can clearly see the number and the lines between the numbers, much like on a ruler
- The point where the mercury ends is what the temperature is
How to Read a Mercury Thermometer?
Accurate body temperature readings can make a difference in treatment decisions. Reading a mercury thermometer is easy but require a bit of practice and skill.
Before Reading a Glass Mercury Thermometer
Because different models may have slightly different reading methods, one should first read manufacturer’s directions which comes with all mercury thermometers. The following are general guidelines for most of the mercury glass thermometers:
- Standard precautions like washing hands and wearing gloves if appropriate.
- Handle with care to prevent thermometer from chipping or breaking.
- Remove the probe cover and/or wipe the thermometer with a dry tissue from stem to bulb. Do not use an alcohol swab before reading the temperature reading.
- Remove cover. Wipe the thermometer with a dry tissue from stem to bulb. Do not use alcohol swab before reading the temperature.
- Hold the thermometer at eye level and parallel to the floor.
How to Read a Mercury Glass Thermometer?
Reading a Mercury Glass Thermometer properly is essential, both at home and hospital. Accurate checking of body temperature is vital for determining course of treatment or medication. One should read mercury thermometer immediately after taking the temperature. The temperature should be read to the closest line.
- In a Fahrenheit thermometer:
* Long lines indicate 1 degree.
* Short lines indicate 0.2 degree.
- While in a Celsius thermometer:
* Long lines indicate 1 degree or 0.5 degree.
* Short lines indicate 0.1 degree.
Most of the mercury thermometer, though, have dual scales.
One should be careful while reading temperatures between 100 degrees and 101 degrees, because many people mistakenly record or report the tenth of a degree as a whole degree. For example, 100.2 degrees is between 100 and 101 while 102 degrees is between 102 and 103. Avoid mistakes as it could result in inappropriate therapy. - Read Mercury Thermometer at Eye level
- Long lines on Fahrenheit scale indicate 1 degree
- Short lines on Fahrenheit scale indicate 0.2 degree
- Read Celsius scale to nearest 0.1 degree
- Read temperature to nearest lines
- After taking the temperature, hold the thermometer up to a light where you can see the mercury line and the numbers
- Rotate the thermometer until you can clearly see the number and the lines between the numbers, much like on a ruler
- The point where the mercury ends is what the temperature is
