Evaluation of temporal artery thermometry in children 3-36 months old.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to determine whether temporal artery (TA) thermometer readings are accurate and better tolerated than rectal readings in young children.


METHODS
Paired rectal and TA temperature readings and Face Legs Activity Cry and Consolability (FLACC) scores were obtained.


RESULTS
TA thermometry failed to detect rectal fever (38 degrees C or greater) in approximately 20% of paired temperature readings. FLACC scores were significantly lower after TA readings than after rectal readings.


CONCLUSIONS
This study questions TA readings as an accurate substitute for rectal thermometry.
Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA. jholzhauer@chw.org
Janet K
JK
Holzhauer
Vicky
V
Reith
Kathleen J
KJ
Sawin
Kenneth
K
Yen
D000367:Age Factors; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005334:Fever / Q000175:diagnosis; D006776:Hospitals, Pediatric; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D015146:Midwestern United States; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000379:methods; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D012007:Rectum / Q000098:blood supply; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D013699:Temporal Arteries; D013817:Thermography / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing