TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT
IN INFANTS: A REVIEW
Leesa
Petranis
Royal
Children¡¯s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
Objective:
Fever
is one of the most common problems in the paediatric population. Obtaining
accurate measurement of body temperature in the hospitalised child is a
fundamental nursing responsibility. The aim of this review was to identify
the optimal method of temperature measurement in infants aged three months
or less in acute care settings.
It was hoped the information obtained could be used to develop
hospital-based Best Practice Guidelines. Also, it was envisaged nurses who
used such guidelines would impart more consistent information to parents
about fever.
Methods: An evidence based
search strategy was used to investigate the above issue. Comprehensive
searches of medical and nursing databases were undertaken. Clinicians with
expertise in neonatal or infant nursing and manufacturers of products were
consulted. All evidence was critically appraised and ranked according to
Australian National Health and Medical Research Council Guidelines.
Results: Abundant research
purported to answer the above question. Most research methods used
convenience sampling in conjunction with comparative or descriptive design
methodologies. Clinically significant issues arising from results were:
-Tympanic measurements are more rapid but
less reliable than rectal or axillary measures;
-Increased patient risks are associated
with mercury glass thermometers;
-Accurate measurements are obtained only
when nurses know how to use equipment properly;
-Best measurements are obtained using
digital electronic thermometers at either axillary or rectal sites.
Conclusion: Axillary or rectal
sites are preferred for accurate temperature measurement in infants aged
three months or less. The use of tympanic measurement is not advisable. A
more detailed evaluation of temperature measurement for this group is
warranted.