What do the lines mean on a thermometer?
On a thermometer that uses the Fahrenheit temperature scale, each long mark shows a whole degree of temperature. There are four shorter lines between each pair of long lines. These shorter lines show an increase of two-tenths of a degree Fahrenheit (0.2ºF).
How do you unstick a thermometer?
The mercury will rise to the top of the thermometer and join together. Allow the thermometer to gradually cool down to room temperature. If you need to take several attempts, just heat and cool gradually. Do not overheat, as the thermometer could burst.
What are 5 causes for increased body temperatures?
Fever or elevated body temperature might be caused by:
- A virus.
- A bacterial infection.
- Heat exhaustion.
- Certain inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis — inflammation of the lining of your joints (synovium)
- A malignant tumor.
How do you fix a separated mercury thermometer?
Immerse only the thermometer’s bulb into the dry ice and alcohol. Allow all of the mercury column to retreat into the bulb as it cools down. Remove the thermometer and carefully place it upright in a test tube rack. As the thermometer warms up to room temperature, the separated liquid should rejoin into a solid column.
What happens if the clinical thermometer is held upside down?
If the thermometer is flipped upside down, the current temperature will be shown until it is turned upright again. The mercury runs down into a smaller bulb at the other end of the capillary, which is graduated to read temperature.
What happens when you hold the thermometer in the same spot for 40 seconds?
Hold the thermometer in the same spot for about 40 seconds. Readings will continue to increase and the F (or C) symbol will flash during measurement. Usually, the thermometer will make a beeping noise when the final reading is done.
Where do you put a thermometer to take your temperature?
These include: 1 Oral: For this method, the thermometer is placed under the tongue. 2 Rectal: For this method, the thermometer is inserted gently into the rectum. 3 Axillary: For this method, the thermometer is placed in the armpit for young children or adults whose temperature can’t safely be done orally. …
What to do with a separated thermometer column?
If, however, there are several small, separated column segments, apply heat until a small amount of mercury enters the expansion chamber. Holding the thermometer securely, as in method 1, quickly tap the edge of the mounting frame a few times.
Do you have to wash the thermometer before taking the temperature?
Use a clean thermometer, one that has been washed in cold water, cleaned with rubbing alcohol, and then rinsed to remove the alcohol. Do not eat or drink anything for at least five minutes before you take your temperature because the temperature of the food or beverage could make the reading inaccurate.
What do the long lines on a thermometer mean?
(2) Celsius thermometer. Like the Fahrenheit temperature, each long line on a thermometer using the Celsius scale denotes a whole degree of temperature. On the Celsius scale; however, there are nine shorter marks between each pair of long marks. Each small mark shows an increase of one-tenth of a degree Celsius (0.1º C).
How can you tell the temperature on a thermometer?
There are several temperature markings (lines) on a thermometer. Identify the marking that is closest to the point where the mercury in the shaft stops (where the silver meets the white). d. Determine the Temperature Reading.
What should I do if my thermometer has a stroke?
Rapidly move the thermometer down and sharply reverse direction (and snap the wrist upward). When the thermometer reaches the lowest point of the stroke several times.
How long do you hold a thermometer in the same place?
Hold the thermometer in the same spot for about 40 seconds. Readings will continue to increase and the F (or C) symbol will flash during measurement. Usually, the thermometer will make a beeping noise when the final reading is done (usually about 30 seconds). If you are keeping track, record the temperature and the time.