J Korean Acad Fundam Nurs.  1997 Dec;4(2):351-358.

Comparison of Rectal Temperature with Axillary and Tympanic Temperature

• Hwang JS
• Sohng KY

Abstract

Body temperature should be measured accurately to assess neonate's condition for proper care. Temperatures measured in rectal, axillary and tympanic site were compared in 129 normal neonates to find out proper nursing time for measuring temperature and the validity of fever detection. The results were as follows : 1. Mean temperatures of axillary and tympanic site(36.85degrees C, 37.12degrees C) were significantly lower than those of rectal site(37.19degrees C). 2. Mean nursing time for measuring body temperature was significantly higher and lower in axillary and tympanic temperatures(159.49 seconds, 11.07 seconds) than in rectal temperature(105.62 seconds). 3. Tympanic and axillary temperatures were significantly correlated with rectal temperature(r=0.85, r=0.78) and the significant correlation was demonstrated between tympanic and axillary temperatures(r=0.76). 4. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 0.87, 0.90, 0.72, 0.96 for detecting fever respectively. The above findings indicated that the tympanic thermometer offers a useful alternative to conventional methods.

Keyword

Neonate; rectal temperature; tympanic temperature; axillary temperature

MeSH Terms

Body Temperature
Fever
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Nursing
Sensitivity and Specificity
Thermometers