Is it true when you take a child's temperature from the armpit, you should add a degree to the final temp?

Question

I've heard that adding the degree to thefinal temp is more acurate when taking the temp under the arm. Anyone know?

Answer 1

Because its the armpit, so its not as accurate as inside the mouth or rectum. Its going to be a little lower, just because of it being taken on the outside of the body. Thats why you add a degree.

Answer 2

Hi there. Don't rely on a temperature from the armpit. Temperature taken from the skin (like under the arm) is not very accurate and can be off by a lot more than one degree, and the skin can actually be warmer or colder than an internal temperature. The best places to check a temp for a child is rectal, oral (if old enough), or the ear (with a digital thermometer).

Answer 3

Yes that is true. But when you call the doctor you tell them u took the temperature under the arm and exactly what the thermometer read.

Answer 4

The absolute best way is to test rectally. I've been doing it since my baby was born. Just don't insert too much further than the silver tip on the thermometer and use some petroleum jelly for lubrication.

Answer 5

True, but armpit is a highly inaccurate way to take temperatures. Under the tounge or anal temperatures are the most accurate.

Answer 6

Yes, that is the general assumption.
Anal, subtract one degree and mouth, do nothing.

If you are talking with the doctor or nurse, make sure you tell them how you took their temperature. The should know to ask!

Answer 7

No. Just keep the thermometer for a longer period. You should keep the thermometer for one minute in the rectum, two minutes in the mouth and three minutes in the axilla. Do not add or subtract anything.
I am a pediatrician.

Answer 8

Yes...add one degree for axillary (armpit) temp and subtract one for rectal temp.

Answer 9

Yes it is. The most accurate way to take the temperature is anally though.

Answer 10

Correct!