Do I subtract a degree?

beth6287 · September 2012

My pedi office considers 100.4 a fever. DS felt really warm so I checked his temp rectally (like the pedi suggests) and it says 100.3 but then my fiance tells me to subtracy a degree if it is taken rectally....I have never heard that, so no I don't know if his temp is 99.3 or 100.3! and Dr. Google is giving me conflicting info.

What have you been told or what do you do? do I subtract a degree when I take his temp rectally??

MrsA71208 · September 2012

I have never heard that. I always heard rectally was the most accurate. When LO was first born they always did it rectally and they weren't subtracting or adding anything.

ksen820 · September 2012

Rectal temperature is the most accurate. My ped said I could also check under the armpit, but then add a degree and it should match the rectal temp. hope your LO feels better!

KatFCo · September 2012

ksen820:
Rectal temperature is the most accurate. My ped said I could also check under the armpit, but then add a degree and it should match the rectal temp. hope your LO feels better!

This is true. Under the arm, called axillary, is less accurate, so it can be a degree or two low. Your pedi's office likely gave what they consider to be a fever when taken rectally.

lindy27 · September 2012

You need to ask your pedi office at which location the 100.4 should be taken.

The ear, mouth, butt, armpit, temporal all have different "normal" temperatures. We use temporal which over 100.4 I believe is a fever.

schmood · September 2012

the thermometer that I have came with a guide that tells what 'normal' temp is for each location that you take the temp. Could you check to see if your has one too?

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