Taking a temperature

During the period in which your child is undergoing treatment, fever becomes an
enemy because it is often the first sign of infection. Parents take hundreds of temper-
atures, especially when their child is not feeling well. Temperatures can be taken
under the tongue, under the arm, or in the ear using a special type of thermometer.
Rectal temperatures are not recommended due to the risk of tears and infection. Here
are a few suggestions that might help, especially when blood counts are depressed.
• Use a glass thermometer under the tongue.
• Use a digital thermometer under the tongue or arm. Some have an alarm that
beeps when it is time to remove the thermometer.
We bought a digital thermometer that we only use under his arm. It
has worked well for us.
• Tympanic thermometers measure infrared waves and are very easy to use.
When my in-laws asked at diagnosis if there was anything that we
needed, I asked them to try to buy a tympanic (ear) thermometer. The
device cost over a hundred dollars then, but it worked beautifully. It takes
only one second to obtain a temperature. You can even use it when she is
asleep without waking her. They are now sold at pharmacies and drug
stores, and cost much less.
Before you leave the hospital, you should know when to call the clinic because of
fever. Usually, parents are told not to give any medication for fever and to call if the
fever goes above 101º F (38.5º C). It is especially important for parents of children
with implanted catheters to know when to call the clinic, as an untreated infection
can be life-threatening. It is also very helpful to have a copy of your child’s most
recent blood count when you call to notify your physician about fever.