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What is the difference between an oral thermometer and a rectal thermometer?
Wiki User
∙ 10y ago
The tastes differ. An oral thermometer has a longer slender end that's inserted (into the mouth), compared to a rectal thermometer that has a short bulbous end inserted (into the rectum). The bulb reduces the chance of tearing the rectal wall, especially in infants. Some digital models have a setting for rectal vs. oral on the unit. The rectal temperature is known to be a little warmer and more accurate to body temperature. If you still have a glass and Mercury thermometer, be aware that mercury is a deadly toxin, and consider replacing the thermometer with a digital model.
Wiki User
∙ 10y ago
An oral thermometer is designed to be used in the mouth to measure body temperature, while a rectal thermometer is inserted into the rectum for a more accurate reading of core body temperature. Rectal thermometers are typically more accurate but may be less comfortable to use.
Anonymous
One goes under the tongue the other goes in the butt
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What is the difference between a rectal thermometer and an oral thermometer?
The tastes differ. An oral thermometer has a longer slender end that's inserted (into the mouth), compared to a rectal thermometer that has a short bulbous end inserted (into the rectum). The bulb reduces the chance of tearing the rectal wall, especially in infants. Some digital models have a setting for rectal vs. oral on the unit. The rectal temperature is known to be a little warmer and more accurate to body temperature. If you still have a glass and Mercury thermometer, be aware that mercury is a deadly toxin, and consider replacing the thermometer with a digital model.
Is a rectal thermometer reading of 101 degrees equal to an oral thermometer reading of 101degrees?
No. Usually there is about a degree difference with the rectal temperature being about 1 degree higher.
What are the 3 types of thermometer?
The three types of thermometer are oral, rectal and tympanic. The most reliable is the rectal thermometer.
What are the ways of getting the body temperature?
oral thermometer rectal thermometer aural thermometer feeling the forehead with your hand
Why is it important to take body temperature oral and rectal thermometer?
for safety
What kind of thermometer is used for oral?
An oral thermometer is used for in the mouth and usually under the tongue. A rectal thermometer is used for taking your temperature from your rectum/bottom. They will be label in your grocery store or pharmacy whether there intended for your mouth or rectum.
What is the safest form of baby thermometer?
For children under three years a rectal thermometer is recommended by medical professionals - whereas after three years using an oral thermometer is safe.
What are common mistakes when using a thermometer?
#1: Inserting a rectal thermometer into the mouth #2 Inserting an oral thermometer into the rectum #3 Not thoroughly cleansing the thermometers after each use
Why is there such a difference between oral and rectal temperature in my son...orally he is almost always normal or low grade then rectal it is 101-102 degrees?
Rectal is more accurate because it takes the core body temperature.
What is the temperature difference at rectal oral and under the arms?
Rectal is usually .5c above oral, with under arms being .5c below oral Remember 37C is just an average for oral temp and can change through out the day as well
What are the errors to use a thermometer?
The fixed error on a non-digital thermometer is 0.5oC. The percentage error is worked out by dividing 50 by the reading you have taken from the thermometer.
Different types of thermometers?
Celsius and Fahrenheit Thermometers Clinical Thermometers Ear (Tympanic) thermometers Pacifier Thermometers Underarm or Oral Thermometers Food Thermometers Outdoor Thermometers Mechanism of Different Types of Thermometers Mercury and Alcohol Thermometers Digital Thermometers Alcohol thermometer Beckmann differential thermometer Bi-metal mechanical thermometer Electrical resistance thermometer Galileo thermometer Infrared thermometer Liquid Crystal Thermometer Medical thermometer (e.g. oral thermometer, rectal thermometer, basal thermometer) Mercury-in-glass thermometer
