Question

What is the use of a kink in a clinical thermometer? Write the steps to measure the body temperature with a clinical thermometer? [5 MARKS]

Answer 1

Use of kink: 2 Marks
Steps: 3 Marks

The kink in a clinical thermometer prevents the mercury level from falling. In the absence of kink, the mercury level would fall when we take the thermometer out of the mouth.

The various steps to measure the body temperature with a clinical thermometer are:

• Wash the thermometer, preferably with an antiseptic solution.
• Hold it firmly and give it a few jerks. The jerks will bring the level of mercury down. Ensure that it falls below 35°C.
• Now place the bulb of the thermometer under the tongue.
• After one minute, take the thermometer out and note the reading. This is the body temperature.