Name ____________________________________ Date _____________ Score ____________
Procedure 31-2 Obtain Vital Signs: Obtain an Aural Temperature
Using the Tympanic Thermometer
CAAHEP COMPETENCIES: I.P1.1, I.AI.2, III.PIII.2, IV.PIV.2, IV.PIV.8
ABHES COMPETENCIES: 9.c
Task: To measure and record a patient's temperature accurately using a tympanic thermometer.
Equipment and Supplies
• Tympanic thermometer
• Disposable probe covers
• Biohazardous waste container
• Disposable gloves as appropriate
• Patient's record
Standards: Complete the procedure and all critical steps in ------------- minutes with a minimum score
of 85% in three attempts.
Scoring: Divide the points earned by the total possible points. Failure to perform a critical step, indicated by
an asterisk(*), results in an unsatisfactory overall score.
Time began ----------- - -
Time ended ____________
Steps
Possible
Points
1. Sanitize your hands.
10
2. Gather the necessary equipment and supplies.
10
3. Identify your patient and explain the procedure.
20
4. Place a disposable cover on the probe.
10
5. Follow the package's directions to start the
thermometer.
10
6. Insert the probe into the ear canal far enough to seal the
opening. Do not apply pressure. For children under age
3, gently pull the ear lobe down and back; for patients
over age 3, gently pull the top of the ear up and back.
10
7. Press the button on the probe as directed. The
temperature will appear on the display screen in 1 to
2 seconds. Remove the probe, note the reading, and
discard the probe cover without touching it.
10
8. Sanitize your hands and disinfect the equipment if
indicated .
10
*9. Record the temperature (e.g., T = 98.6° [T]) in the
patient's medical record .
Total minutes: - - - -------Attempt
Attempt
Attempt
1
2
3
10
263
Copyright© 2011, 2007, 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Procedure 31-2 Obtain Vital Signs
Documentation in the Medical Record:
The mother of a 3-year-old patient brings her toddler to the physician's office because the child has had a rash
on the left forearm for 3 days. The patient is not allergic to any medication and does not take any medications
daily. Obtain an aural temperature and document the case using the SOAPE format.
S:
0:
Comments:
Points earned - - - - -- - - - - -- - + 100 possible points= Score _ _ _ _ _ % Score
Instructor's signature - - - - - -- - -- - - 264
Procedure 31-2 Obtain VItal Signs
Copyright© 2011, 2007, 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.