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PROTOCOL FOR TEMPERATURE RECORDING

Purpose​

To document temperature in newborn babies.
Keep normal temperature to minimize metabolic rate and oxygen consumption to optimize the growth of the newborn baby.

Indications​

Accurate temperature recording is needed when a baby is:
Preterm/low birth weight or sick.
Admitted to hospital
To diagnose hypothermia/ hyperthermia.

Points to remember​

  • Axillary temperature should be checked at least once in every 6-8 hours.
  • Normal range 36.5 – 37.5 °C / 97.7 – 99.5 °F
  • Babies under the warmer require more frequent monitoring of temperature.
  • Each baby should have a seperate thermometer.
  • During morning care measure with digital thermometer to see that it coincides with the temperature shown on the panel on the warmer.
  • Always assess baby´s temperature by touching before measuring with thermometer.

Procedure for measuring axillary temperature​

1. Clean hands and thermometer.
2. Place the digital thermometer under the babies arm in the middle of the armpit.
3. Gently hold the arm against the body with support.
4. Keep the thermometer in place until finished measuring. Approxiamately 1-2 minutes.
5. The temperature read in the display is the right one (do not add 0,5 – 1.0).
6. If the thermometer has got any body fluids or spilles it must be soap washed before cleaning with spirit. Other wise spirit is enough.
7. Document the temperature at babies nursing chart.

Skin temperature probe should be used when baby is under radiant warmer​

  • Continuesly monitoring required when LBW or sick newborn
  • Clean probe with spirit.
  • Be aware of the placement of the probe, preferably on the upper part of babies abdomen.
  • Ensure the temperatureprobe is properly secured.
  • Record the temperature as shown in the display on the radiant warmer.
  • Display showing hypothermia/hyperthermia control with digital thermometer.
  • Do not cover the probe with blanket.

Assessment by touch​

  • In newborns abdominal temperature is representative of the core temperature.
  • Use the assessment by touch on observationrounds, but do not interrupt a sleeping baby.
warning

RECTAL TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT IS NOT RECOMMENDED AS A ROUTINE DUE TO DISCOMFORT AND RISK OF TISSUE DAMAGE.

References​

Merenstein & Gardner 2011, Neonatal Intensive Care s.114-118.
Tandberg & Steinnes, Newborn Nursingcare 1, 2009
www.newbornwhocc.org

Document Information​

Archived Version

Version: 1.0 (Archived)
Published: August 3, 2015
Contributors: Teaching Nurses from Norway and FBNCU Nursing Staff, JK Lone Hospital, SMS Medical College, Jaipur
View: Current Version