Why do people still take kid's temps rectally?

I think that each parent takes their kid temps the way feel is the better way. I take my daughter's temp rectally until she was older because when she was in the NICU. That is how they took it and they show me how to take it that way. Also her being 4lbs when she came home the temp being off by anything it matter. I wish that people would stop judging others and try to understand why they are doing something. Just because you do something one way does not make it right or wrong-It is just different.

Hi, I will start by saying I am a nurse, who works in pediatric home care.

Rectal temps are the most accurate, that is an accepted medical fact. Other methods and generally within acceptable accuracy. Generally in order of accuracy it's rectal, tempanic (ear), oral, aural (forehead) and auxiliary (armpit). Tempanic thermometers will not fit in infants ears. Babies cannot cooperate with oral temps. So that leave other methods. Armpit is very inaccurate up to two degrees. Aural thermometers are a crap shoot some professional grade ones are ok, but I have had some really not work as you would expect (I have owned several ranging in price from $30-$150) I use a nice $70 aural thermometer for my routine temps, however at the first sign of fever I move to the more reliable methods, in infants that means the first choice is rectal. Children 18 months or so are usually ok with oral or tempanic. I also have patents who do not thermoregulate so they often get rectal temps into adulthood, as accurate reading are a matter of life and death. I realize and understand why some people are squirmed a bit by rectal temps, but it really is a matter of it being the best method. If the patents condition allows, we can and often do opt for a more comfortable method. However if you who up claiming a temp of 103 on your 6 month old, you had better believe I want a accurate rectal temp, before reporting that to the dr.

I don't do it because I am afraid if I am not gentle enough but it's a shame that it's not done in hospitals or by the practioners as it's the most accurate.

My nephew was smiling and showed a normal temperature range when measure everywhere else until it's measured rectally. My mother knew something was wrong because his lips were purple, so took him to the family doctor and the doctor measured it that way and saved him.

This was 12 years ago.

I am not from the States and from where we are they don't measure temp. rectally even in the emergency department.

I have been a Nurse Practitioner for 15 years, specializing in Adolescent Medicine and GYN. I am also a mom of three kids, two girls 17, 15, and a boy 12. This is such a pedantic yet needed discussion. I am glad I stumbled across it.

I defy the originator to show me any clinical research that disavows that a rectal temp is the most accurate reading known AND ACCEPTED by the medical profession. To the party who commented that she perennially had to insist that the trained, skilled, professional providers at her doctors NOT take her kids temperature in the best and most accurate manner possible shame on you, and the moment you threatened me that you would not come back, I assure you, in MY practice, which thank heaven is quite successful with over 300 patient/clients and 12 providers, one of us would have shown you the door.

As for your style and stand on this, while you may not be judging anyone, it sure comes across that way, and perception my dear, is indeed is indeed reality. It is evident that you have some issues related to this, or perhaps anything done rectally. I suggest you check yourself and look at your own history before denying your children proper and most accurate, acceptable and standard medical attention. Much less that our oath is to provide the best care and attention we possibly can to any and every patient in need without the intentional inflicting of pain, it sounds to me that someone other than a health care provider may have inflicted some pain on or in you. Your anger is evident. Get some help!

Also, while that is our oath, most States codes of ethics allow a health care provider to deny care to a person who they believe will be hostile toward them or place them in any situation that would prohibit the delivery of proper care. My suggestion is that you change your attitude and approach to health care professionals before you run out those willing to accept it!

To the member who took the time to provide this person with proper links and evidence, kudos to you, and THANKS!

And to answer the obvious question, YES, my kids do have their temps taken rectally, as do I, and as do my patients!

Our local hospital absolutely does as does the hospital my niece works for (she is a new nurse) and they are considered the best in the state. What do you mean "no one does it anymore"? It is the most reliable method. I don't generally do it - but I don't think "no one" does.

Here is a link to Mayo Clinic saying rectal is the most reliable: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/thermometer/HQ014...

And a quote from John Hopkins: " American Academy of Pediatrics recommends taking the temperature rectally, by placing a thermometer in the baby's anus." http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/condi...

Rectal gets the most accurate results which can matter with a small baby. Hospitals and most doctors have better thermometers than most people. It may be uncomfortable for baby but it is important to get the most accurate read possible.

You must be misinformed. My daughter was given rectal temp until she was about a year old.

In fact last year her armpit read 102 degrees and when we got to the hospital rectally it read 107.

Don't question the doctor or nurse as to our method. We're always are running behind on schedule and rectally simply gets it right always on the first time every time. What's the big deal, do you have some hangup or something? Deal with it.

I agree! My first pediatrician for my child did this and I said no way not ever again! I told them i didn't want that done like that again and they even got weird on me. they acted like i was doing something wrong when i told them never again would i let them do that to her. when they asked me why didn't want it done i said .. well how would you feel if you had your temp taking through your butt? and every time i came back i had to tell them again and again i didn't want that for my child. so i just switched to a different doctor and office. But, to answer, what they told me was that it is the most accurate form of checking their temperature. I said i don't give a rats ***. it ain't happening again! my daughter's new pediatrician takes her temperature on her forehead.

Because that's what they're most confident doing. It's not any better or worse than any other method - when you're a parent taking a small child's temperature, all you need to know is way low, normal, a bit high, or doctor right now. It REALLY doesn't matter whether it's 102.1 or 102.4.