title: Comparison of temporal artery to rectal temperature measurements in children up to 24 months.
abstract: This descriptive study compared temporal artery (TA) and rectal temperature measurements, patient comfort during temperature measurements, and nursing time required to obtain temperature measurements. Study participants (n = 40) included children 0-24 months old with fever higher than 38°C, admitted to a freestanding children's hospital in the Midwest. Statistical analysis of 450 paired TA and rectal temperature measurements revealed a 0.776 correlation, mean difference of 0.03°C, and 94.7% of measurements differing by less than 1.0°C. Patient comfort, measured via the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability Scale, was enhanced with TA thermometry compared to rectal. TA thermometry resulted in an 87% savings of nursing time.
authors: Nursing Research Center, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, OH, USA.
authors: Elizabeth A
authors: EA
authors: Carr
authors: Michele L
authors: ML
authors: Wilmoth
authors: Aris Beoglos
authors: AB
authors: Eliades
authors: Pamela J
authors: PJ
authors: Baker
authors: Debra
authors: D
authors: Shelestak
authors: Kay L
authors: KL
authors: Heisroth
authors: Kathryn H
authors: KH
authors: Stoner