Recording an Axilla Temperature in a Newborn
By the end of this learning, you will be able to record an axilla temperature in a newborn.
Outcomes –
- Understand how to record an axilla temperature in a newborn
- Understand how to record an axilla temperature in a pre-term newborn
- Understand why you need to record a newborn temperature
Introduction
This learning package will provide learning on the methods used to record an axilla temperature in pre-term and term newborn babies. Temperature recordings should be taken with the axilla thermometer as soon as practical after birth, at least once during transport and then on arrival to hospital.
When should an axilla temperature be recorded and documented?
- All newborn babies during initial newborn assessment
- All newborn babies upon arrival to hospital
- All newborn babies during newborn life support
What is important about keeping newborn babies warm?
Promoting newborn thermoregulation is crucial during assessment, newborn life support and transport. Newborn babies have a large surface area relative to weight so lose heat very quickly. Pre-term newborns have a larger surface area to volume ratio and are at greater risk. For each degree below 35.6 ºC the risk of mortality increased by 28%.
What is the normal newborn temperature?
Normal newborn temperature is 36.5º to 37.6ºC.
How to take the newborn temperature
The video below will show you how to take a newborns’ temperature. There is also a text transcript of the instructions below.
Video Transcript
This video will show you how to take a newborns’ temperature.
It is recommended that a temperature is taken as soon as possible after birth.
First, use a dry towel to dry the armpit, while keeping the baby as covered as possible.
The digital thermometer measures the axillary temperature and is not to be used on, or in, any other part of the body.
Turn the thermometer on by pressing the button.
Place the metal tip into the newborn’s armpit. Hold the arm over the thermometer and record the reading when the thermometer beeps
Take further readings during transport to hospital and arrival at hospital.
In pre-term babies who are placed in plastic bags, carefully adjust the top of the bag to accommodate the thermometer tip.
Record the reading as before.
Make sure that all efforts are used to keep the baby warm.
Key Points:
• Only used to measure the axillary temperature
• Take the first temperature as soon as possible after birth then, on en-route to hospital and at hospital arrival
• Use every effort to keep all babies warm
Contact Information
For any additional support or information, contact the Maternity Team at Maternity.team@nwas.nhs.uk.
