Taking an Axillary Temperature

Material needed:

• Thermometer
• Watch with a second hand
• Dry towel or wash cloth
• Tissue
• Pencil
• Paper

Procedure:

1. Explain what you are going to do
2. Have the client to lay down or sit down
3. Wash your hands
4. Obtain material listed above
5. Clean thermometer
6. Shake down mercury on a glass thermometer. Turn on electronic thermometer.
7. Provide privacy (close door, pull curtains)
8. Remove client's arm from sleeve. Expose axilla
9. Dry axilla with towel or washcloth
10. Put client's arm across chest to hold thermometer in place. For infant or child, hold arm in place as necessary
11. Leave thermometer in place:
    Glass - 10 minutes
    
    Electronic - until it beeps

    Wipe with tissue from stem end to bulb. Then discard tissue

    Read thermometer and then place it on a tissue

    Write the temperature on the paper

    Help client put arm back in sleeve

    Turn off electronic thermometer, if it was used

    Clean and dry glass or electronic thermometer.

    Shake down thermometer if it was used

    Store thermometer in holder in proper location

    Wash your hands

    Record temperature on client's record. Indicate "A" for axillary temperature

    Report any abnormal temperature to the nurse or family member