Braun WelchAllyn ThermoScan PRO 4000 User Manual page 12

6021360_PRO4000_S4-46 Seite 12 Montag, 20. August 2007 8:46 08
Special situations
Clinical studies have shown the Braun ThermoScan thermometer can obtain accurate tem-perature measurements on persons
of all ages. However, there are special situations when an ear thermometer should not be used. These include, but may not be
limited to the following situations:
• Do not use an ear thermometer if there is blood or drainage in the external ear canal.
• An ear thermometer should not be used on a patient who exhibits symptoms of an acute or chronic inflammatory condition
of the external ear canal.
• Common situations like the presence of moderate amounts of cerumen in the ear canal, otitis
media and tympanostomy tubes do not significantly impact temperature readings. However, complete ear canal occlusion
due to cerumen can result in lower temperature readings.
• For persons using hearing aids or ear plugs, remove the device and wait 20 minutes prior to taking a temperature.
• Use the untreated ear if prescription ear drops or other ear medications have been placed in the ear canal.
• Patients who have deformities of the face and/or ear may not be able to have a temperature taken with an ear thermometer.
Fever facts
Many persons may not have an elevated temperature even when they are ill. These include, but are not limited to infants
under 90 days of age, persons taking steroids, antibiotics or antipyretics (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin), persons with
compromised immune systems, including the elderly or persons with some chronic illnesses.
Fever is described as an elevation of body temperature over an individual's «normal» temper-ature.
An elevated temperature or fever is often viewed as a danger sign. In fact, a fever can be very beneficial, and helps our im-
mune system work more effectively. A fever should be evaluated along with other physical symptoms. With the exception of
newborn infants, the presence of fever, without any other symptoms of illness, or in a child who is behaving normally may not
be cause of concern.
Some people, such as the elderly, infants under 90 days of age, those with compromised immune systems, or persons who
take steroids for example are often unable to build a response to illness or environmental conditions. These individuals may
not have a fever when they are ill, or their elevated temperature may be lower than expected for the severity of their illness.
Other medications such as anti-inflammatories and some analgesics may also mask fever.
The presence or absence of fever should not be used as the only measurement of the signifi-cance of the illness.
Febrile seizures, or convulsions, which usually occur in children six months to six years of age, are thought to occur not
because a fever is present, but because of the rapid rise of the child's temperature.
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