Tympanic thermometers support fast and accurate temperature monitoring in acute and alternative care

Br J Nurs. 2021 Mar 11;30(5):288-295. doi: 10.12968/bjon.2021.30.5.288.

Abstract

This article explores body temperature and the physiological process of thermoregulation. Normal body temperature and body temperature changes are discussed, including comorbidities associated with body temperature and signs of hyperthermia and hypothermia, and the factors that affect intraoperative temperature regulation. The evidence base behind thermometry is discussed and is applied to contemporary clinical conditions and symptoms, including: sepsis and suspected COVID-19. After discussing clinical considerations and regulations that encompass thermometry, three case studies present the use of the Genius 3 Tympanic Thermometer in clinical practice, with user feedback supporting its benefits, which include speed, accuracy and ease of use.

Keywords: Body temperature; Hyperthermia; Hypothermia; Sepsis Six; Thermometry; Thermoregulation.

MeSH terms

  • Body Temperature / physiology*
  • COVID-19 / diagnosis
  • Complementary Therapies
  • Critical Care
  • Humans
  • Monitoring, Physiologic / instrumentation
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sepsis / diagnosis
  • Thermometers*
  • Time Factors
  • Tympanic Membrane / physiology*