the change that is needed to ensure that there is accuracy in temperature measurement that will help in the right diagnosis
Introduction
Body temperature is the standard vital signs taken to help monitor the patient’s well-being. Temperature readings differ depending on the temperature readings used. There are different ways of taking the temperature of a patient. One way is through oral temperature measurement, which includes tympanic temperature and temporal temperature. The second way is rectal temperature measurement. Inaccurate temperature readings can lead to wrong diagnosis and unnecessary diagnostic approach. The research proposal will discuss the change that is needed to ensure that there is accuracy in temperature measurement that will help in the right diagnosis.
Problem identification
Body temperature is one of the frequently used factors in healthcare, and reliable equipment must be used to give accurate information. Inaccuracy is an issue that affects the diagnosis of patients’ hence poor healthcare services. In measuring temperature, the method used is considered correct if the mean difference is less than0.2 to 0.5°C. The precise body temperature measurement is crucial for the precise valuation of core body temperature. It is difficult to identify the fever condition, especially patients without chills. Another problem that could lead to inaccuracy is poor reading. While reading the readings, a nurse may fail to read the correct measurement; this can lead to the wrong diagnosis.
Significance of the problem
An urban emergency department developed a diagnostic study to identify the accuracy of tympanic membrane and temporal artery thermometry to measure fever was carried out. Information was collected from adult patients who received rectal temperature measurement. Thirty-six percent of the tympanic membrane and temporal artery analyses had a difference of zero point five degrees Celsius from rectal temperatures. The temporal artery and tympanic membrane had cut marks of thirty-seven degrees. Celsius provided more than ninety percent sensitivity to detect fever with seventy-two percent and ninety percent, respectively. Therefore, according to the article temperature in the adult emergency department, oral, tympanic membrane, and temporal artery temperatures versus rectal temperature by Polly and colleagues, it is evident that no method can give the accurate temperature measurement.
Proposed Change
Tools used for temperature measurement that are not accurate should be changed. The healthcare department should ensure that the readings of these tools are accurate. Therefore the new tools that are introduced should be more accurate for quality diagnosis and quality healthcare. Some limitations can impede the precise measurement of blood temperature in patients. These limitations include earwax and improper technique. Noncontact infrared skin thermometers measure temperature from far. It is accurate and reliable and useful for fever screening.