Question

An emergency room is interested in whether or not rectal temperature versus temporal scanning is equivalent in children under age 3, and should they change the current practice. How would they go about the process of looking at the evidence to determine the practice change? Use at least one professional references and annotate according to APA 6th edition.

Answer 1

Its always best to use temporal scanning instead of rectal temperature assesment for both the children and healthcare provider. Here is an study done on this topic with its significance of using temporary scanning.

This descriptive study compared temporal artery (TA) and rectal temperature measurements, patient comfort during temperature measurements, and nursing time required to obtain temperature measurements. Study participants (n = 40) included children 0–24 months old with fever higher than 38°C, admitted to a freestanding children's hospital in the Midwest. Statistical analysis of 450 paired TA and rectal temperature measurements revealed a 0.776 correlation, mean difference of 0.03°C, and 94.7% of measurements differing by less than 1.0°C. Patient comfort, measured via the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability Scale, was enhanced with TA thermometry compared to rectal. TA thermometry resulted in an 87% savings of nursing time.