Article
Comparison of Temporal Artery and Axillary Temperatures in Healthy Newborns
Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing
(2012)
Abstract
Objective
To compare temperature readings of temporal artery and axillary thermometers in healthy late preterm and term infants in an effort to standardize practice.
Design
Descriptive comparative.
Setting
Thirty‐bed, healthy mother/baby unit in an inner‐city Level‐1trauma center, averaging 2,500 births per year.
Participants
Healthy newborns (N = 125) admitted to mother/baby unit after birth, at least 35 weeks gestation, and weighing greater than 1,900 grams.
Methods
Temperatures were taken at regular intervals per unit protocol. At each interval temporal and axillary temperatures were recorded.
Results
Temporal temperatures were significantly higher (M = 36.9°C, SD = .59) than axillary temperatures (M = 36.7°C, SD = .68), t(124) = 6.74, p < .0001. Although statistical significance was shown between the two groups, no meaningful clinical difference was detected.
Conclusion
Our study findings supported a new nursing practice standard for measuring infant temperatures in our mother/baby unit. Using temporal artery thermometers is now our unit's standard of care for healthy newborns.
Keywords
- newborn temperatures,
- axillary temperature,
- temporal artery temperature
Disciplines
Publication Date
May, 2012
DOI
10.1111/j.1552-6909.2012.01367.x
Citation Information
Lisa Haddad, Sarah Smith, Kenneth D. Phillips and R. Eric Heidel. "Comparison of Temporal Artery and Axillary Temperatures in Healthy Newborns" Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing Vol. 41 Iss. 3 (2012) p. 383 - 388 ISSN: 0884-2175 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/lisa-haddad/5/