Body temperature is an essential parameter indicating our general state of health. It measures the degree of hotness and coldness of our body, ensuring that body organs and systems function at optimal levels.
Compare the functions, measuring ranges and key structural differences of the four thermometers.
Temperature is a measurement of the degree of hotness and coldness of a substance. Body temperature is the measurement of the degree of hotness and coldness of our body.
The normal human body temperature is 36.9°C. A body temperature above 37°C may indicate a fever, while a body temperature that drops below normal due to extreme cold exposure can lead to death.
Homeostasis. The skin and the endocrine system are important to regulate body temperature. Homeostasis is the mechanism that regulates body temperature so that it remains in a balanced and stable state.
Each thermometer has a specific technique that must be followed for an accurate reading.
Function of the kink. The kink in the clinical thermometer ensures that the mercury does not go down quickly after it is removed from the mouth or armpit, providing a more accurate reading.
A laboratory thermometer is not suitable to measure body temperature because it lacks a kink in the mercury tube. When removed from the mouth or armpit, the temperature reading drops quickly, causing an inaccurate reading. If used to measure body temperature, the reading must be taken while the thermometer is still in the mouth or under the armpit.
An elevated body temperature above 37°C may be caused by several factors.
Caused by bacteria or viruses.
Heat stroke or extreme sunburn.
Vigorous exercise.
Answer in your mind, then press “Check Answer”.
What is the purpose of the kink found in a clinical thermometer?
Why must a rectal thermometer tip be dabbed with petroleum jelly before insertion?
State three main categories of factors that cause body temperature to exceed the normal reading.
A laboratory thermometer can easily replace a clinical thermometer under normal procedures.
A laboratory thermometer lacks a kink in its mercury tube, causing the reading to drop immediately upon removal from the body; hence, the reading must be recorded while it remains inside the mouth or armpit.
Any rise in body temperature is always caused by a viral or bacterial infection.
An increase in body temperature can also be triggered non-infectiously by environmental heat, such as heat stroke or sunburn, or by vigorous physical exercise.
Normal human body temperature is 37.5°C.
Normal body temperature is 36.9°C; a reading exceeding 37°C indicates a fever.
1 Which part of the clinical thermometer prevents the mercury level from falling rapidly when removed from the body?
2 At what distance should an infrared thermometer be aimed from an individual's forehead?
3 The normal human body temperature is °C.
4 When using a rectal thermometer on an infant, insert to 2.5 cm of the thermometer into the rectum.
Drag each thermometer to its correct feature or function. On a phone, tap an answer first, then tap a matching box. Tap the Answer Choices area to return a selected item.
Write the correct thermometer next to each feature or function.
Answer choices: Clinical thermometer • Laboratory thermometer • Rectal thermometer • Infrared thermometer
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