ABSTRACT
The most widely used temperature scale, Celsius or Centigrade, is based on a 100° interval scale, with the fixed values of the freezing and boiling points of water at 0° and 100°, respectively. The normal body temperature is not constant and depends upon cyclic, environmental, and physiologic factors. There are three cycles, namely, diurnal, monthly and annual. During muscular exercise, the rectal temperature rises, whereas the skin temperature falls as a result of sweating. The patient must maintain the thermometer deep in the closed axilla in order to prevent cooling by the surrounding air. Electronic type of thermometer does ultimately require servicing and recharging or replacement of batteries. There are two main types of measurement depending on the depth of the tissue examined: superficial or deep. The usual sites of measurement are the mouth, axilla, and rectum. However, on occasions, forehead and truncal skin, the groin, esophagus, tympanic membrane, urine, and urinary bladder have been employed.
