| Subject: Re: Sons Rectal Temp |
Author:
Pam
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Date Posted: Tuesday, June 14, 2011, 05:25: am
In reply to:
Mandy
's message, "Sons Rectal Temp" on Sunday, January 16, 2011, 10:00: am
I have been taking care of my 8 year old nephew Jason for a couple of weeks now for my sister who is "unavailable" to take that responsibility and will continue for the long haul. When I was growing there were no electric thermometers and I have been using a stubby tip glass one for myself whenever needed. I intend to take Jason's temperature with a glass one. It is only a question to take his temperature oral or rectal. When I was growing up it was common to require a rectal temperature for kid up to the age of 5 years old. I figure that Jason being about as mature as a five year old he should have his temperature taken rectally just like a five year old.
Fortunately there is a semi-retired GP in town that has a limited number of patients and he caters to disadvantaged youngsters in the community who he still uses glass thermometers. When I visited his office assured me that using a glass thermometer is fine but to be extremely careful in handing it and agreed that it would be in Jason's best interest to have his temperature taken rectally. I got a few veterinary type glass rectal thermometers that is longer (five inches long) than mine and a lot thicker as well. I think the fact that he could feel that thermometer parked in his rear end better and that it sticking out farther would be his least concern at the time his temperature is being taken. That is, I figure that it won't take long for him to figure out that most his peers to go to the doctor have their temperatures taken in their mouths while he is still having his temperature taken in his rear end like a five year old which is the cutoff age there. When I brought that up the doctor said that the volunteer who job it is take temperatures has developed an expertise at dismantling complaints that would arise when he takes a kid's temperature that way. I was made apparent to me that Jason would not have any more privacy than a younger kid, which is to say next to nothing there (another old tradition than hangs on there). To me that just goes along with getting it taken that way.
It is now a question of whether to wait until he has a fever, or as the doctor recommends to get him used to it while he is well by bringing him in for frequent "checkups" for a period of time at no charge. From what I gather the volunteer that takes temperatures would be more than pleased to do it. I am in favor of that option because there is a lot I can learn from him, however, I would be more than pleased myself to take his temperature rectally whenever the opportunity arises.
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