How to Take an Infant's
or Child's Rectal Temperature:
 1. Clean
the bulb end of the glass thermometer with rubbing alcohol or
soap and water. Then rinse the thermometer with cool, clear water.
2. Shake
down the thermometer as discussed in the previous instructions.
3. Put
a little lubricant, such as petroleum jelly, on the bulb end.
4. Lay
the baby or young child chest down on a firm surface. You can
place an infant across your lap, but put an older child on a
changing table or on the floor.
5. To
hold the child still, firmly place one hand on the lower back,
just above the buttocks.
6. With
your other hand, gently insert the thermometer's bulb end into
the child's anus, 1/2 to 1 inch into the opening. Keep the thermometer
in place between your second and third fingers with your hand
cupped over the child's buttocks. Don't let go.
7. Hold
the thermometer in for two minutes.
8. Remove
and read the thermometer.
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