Taking Baby's Temperature Using a Rectal Thermometer

Here's a great article I found about using a Rectal Thermometer that are made of glass and contained mercury. I know this things are considered unsafe now a days. But in some remote areas, some people do still use this kind of things.

So here are some important guides if you are still using this mercury contained glass rectal thermometer.

If baby seems unduly listless, cries as though  in pain or gives other indications of possible illness, take his temperature rectally. A baby's normal rectal temperature ranges between 36.7º C and 37.5º C (98.6 and 99.6º F). A rectal temperature of 37.8º C(100º F) does not necessarily mean that he is ill. However, a temperature over that is a good indication that he is not well. Being able to take his temperature is, therefore, important, and you should always have a rectal thermometer on hand. A rectal thermometer has a large bulb, and if you are not already familiar with thermometers, be sure to have a druggist or your doctor show you how to read it and how to shake the mercury down.

The mercury should be well down below normal before taking Baby's temperature. Shake it down if it isn't. Put baby oil or petroleum jelly on the bulb end for easier insertion. Your physician will advice you which of the following methods he wishes you to use.

A. Lay Baby on his back on a table or bed. Hold him by his ankles with one hand, raising him slightly. Slip the bulb end of the thermometer in to his rectum about an inch.

B. With a towel on your lap, lay Baby on his stomach. Holding his legs gently but firmly, press the buttocks apart and insert the bulb end of the thermometer about an inch.

DO NOT LEAVE BABY ALONE OR LET GO OF THE THERMOMETER WHILE IT IS IN HIS RECTUM. Hold it there for three minutes, then take it out. The mercury wont slip down in the thermometer, so you can put it in a safe place while you put Baby back to bed.

Even if the thermometer used in the article is a Rectal Thermometer that are made of glass and contained mercury. You can still apply some of the guide in the article with a Rectal Thermometer that are digital.

Simple Tips In Taking Care Of Your Medicine

Although some people don't really think much about where they store their medicines, but this can spell the difference between a good tablet and a bad one. Keep these in mind when storing your medicines and medical supplies at home.

OUT OF THE BATHROOM

If your medicine cabinet is in your bathroom, move it someplace else. Putting your medicine cabinet in the bathroom is not advisable for medicines and medical supplies such as band aids since it provides a humid and warm environment. This accelerates drug degradation and may reduce its potency. Store your medicines and medical supplies in a cool, dry place, such as in your room, instead.

KEEP IT IN THE ORIGINAL BOX

Pill boxes are very useful especially for patients who often forget to take their medicines. But it's still better to keep pills in their original packaging. There are medicines that are categorized as light or photo sensitive. These drugs degrade when exposed to sunlight and they should not be transferred to any other container such as pill boxes. The original packaging protects the drug from light, which plays an important role in the physical and chemical stability of a drug.

TAKE IT TO THE FRIDGE

If the label says so. If it is indicated on the label that it should be refrigerated or if it requires a temperature range of 8 to 15 Degrees Celsius, then you may store your medicines in the refrigerator. Exceeding the standard storage condition of a certain drug will increase its rate of decomposition and will lessen its efficacy.

CHECK THE LABELS

When in doubt, always follow the storage instructions on the label and keep them in their original bottles or blister packs, to make sure that the medicines do not go bad quickly.

Knowing The Pro's and Con's of your Thermometer

There's no single way to take your child's temperature, but some methods are more precise than others.

METHOD:

Rectal

ACCURACY:

The Highest

PRO:

It's the best choice for kids up to age three or whenever an exact reading is critical.

CON:

Older kids don't like it.

TIP:

Have you child lie across your lap or in his back with his legs up

METHOD:

Oral

ACCURACY:

Good

PRO:

Most kids four and older can use them correctly, and there's no need to remove their clothing

CON:

The reading can be thrown off if your child doesn't keep the thermometer under her tongue until it beeps.

TIP:

If she's just had a hot or cold drink wait 15 minutes.

METHOD:

Armpit

ACCURACY:

Adequate

PRO:

It's very easy to use.

CON:

If the room is chilly, you may get false or low reading.

TIP:

Many doctors recommend adding 0.5 degree Celsius to the reading for greater accuracy.

METHOD:

Ear

ACCURACY:

Varies

PRO:

It's fast and convenient

CON:

Doctors say the tip is difficult to insert properly, especially for kids under one.

TIP:

For a more precise result, pull child's ear slightly up and back before inserting.

METHOD:

Forehead

ACCURACY:

Varies

PRO:

Temporal artery models record the temperature in seconds and are comfortable for kids.

CON:

It's the most costly type of thermometer.

TIP:

It must be slid midway between the eyebrows and upper hairline for an accurate reading.