Comparison of Temperature Measurement Devices in Post Anesthesia Patients

A descriptive correlational study was used to evaluate the correlation/agreement of oral and axillary temperature measurements to patient core temperatures obtained in the OR. Data collectors recorded oral or axillary patient temperature from 752 patients on admission and discharge from the PACU. Results indicated that there was a moderate correlation between each of the current devices and core temperature, but no agreement between core temperature and either device. Recommendations were made to use just one device throughout the organization, or to use the device used on admission throughout the hospitalization.

Keywords: perianesthesia care, temperature measurement, research, oral thermometry, axillary thermometry, core temperature