What if

[shoudygrille]

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what would you do if you accidentally didn't put on a thermometer cover when you took a patient's temperature (orally)? it was one of those metal/electronic welch alynn thermometers.

 

[Scrubbs]

I don't think they're made of Mercury... just an electronic thermometer. The covers are simply for universal precautions. Its a little gross to think of getting your temp taken without one, but not the end of the world... as long as it was a "blue" thermometer (oral), and not the "red" one (rectal) - EWWW!

 

[oceandocDO]

Last I checked mercury was a liquid at room temperature, and unless Welch Allyn can defy the rules of chemistry, I'm pretty damn sure it's a liquid at body temp too. Hence, if it didnt melt it your patients mouth, I suppose you're safe. 🙄 😀

At least you asked that here and not in front of your attending.

 

[md_student10021]

Originally posted by shoudygrille
what would you do if you accidentally didn't put on a thermometer cover when you took a patient's temperature (orally)? it was one of those metal/electronic welch alynn thermometers. it's not made of of mercury is it?

are you seriously asking this quesion?? Maybe you're related to the owl?

you'll be hard-pressed to find a mercury thermometer at any modern medical facility. the electronic ones include a heat-sensitive metal probe. I would disinfect the probe in a case such as you described; 70% ethanol should be adequate.