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Module 8: Vital Signs: Temperature (impact on dental treatment (elevated…
Module 8: Vital Signs: Temperature
Temperature:
measurement of the degree of heat in a living body
when should oral temperature not be taken?
patient recently had oral surgery
patient is under 5 years old
patient is confused, heavily sedated, or has a condition that makes it likely they will bite down on thermometer
patient receiving oxygen through the nose
positioning thermometer in the mouth
place the bulb on a heat pocket
heat pockets located on either side of the floor of the mouth between the base of the tongue and the molar teeth
stem rests on anterior teeth on opposite side of mouth
body temperature
normal: 96
- 99.6
F
average: 98.6*F
fever: OVER 99.5*F
conversions
F to C: subtract 32 and divide by 1.8
C to F: multiply by 1.8, then add 32
variables that affect temperature
time of day, exercise, age, environment, stress, hormones, hot liquids, cold liquids, smoking, tachypnea, infection or inflammation
impact on dental treatment
elevated temp should be reassessed; take second reading
excess of 101*F indicate active disease
In most cases, dental treatment is contraindicated for a patient with elevated temp. Patient should be referred to primary physician for evaluation
antibiotic treatment may be necessary for dental infections
if over 104*F, consult primary physician
if over 105.8*, contact emergency medical services