Monitoring Temperatures During Body Cooling
Esophageal, skin and blanket/water temperatures are to be recorded at specified frequencies: every 15 min for the first 4 hours, followed by hourly to 12 hours of cooling, then every two hours to completion of 72 hours of cooling. More frequent temperatures may be monitored per NICU policy. The probe used to record skin temperature should be placed on the abdomen, not the extremities. Skin temperatures (especially during the first 4 hours) may be monitored with a Mon-a-therm Model 6510 manufactured by Mallinckrodt Medical. This portable,battery powered, temperature monitoring unit provides a continuous temperature display. Monitor the skin temperature as follows:
Hourly and subsequent skin temperature monitoring may be done with the Mon-a-therm and/or by measurement of axillary temperature as per NICU policy. Skin temperatures may be monitored using other manufacturers’ devices similar to the Mon-a-therm as well as obtained from the radiant warmer, but only in cases where the warmer temperature digital display operates independently of the warmer heater mechanism. For these radiant warmers, it will be critical to insure that the HEATER OUTPUT IS NOT INADVERTENTLY TURNED ON DURING BODY COOLING.
- Turn the Mon-a-therm unit on by pressing the ON/OFF switch and wait for unit to complete display and calibration checks.
- Place skin temperature probe on infant’s abdomen.
- Using Site 1 cable, open the connector completely by pressing on back portion of toggle with thumb. Insert flat rectangular end of temperature sensor with contacts up into open connector. Secure the connection by pressing on front portion of toggle with thumb.
- Infant’s skin temperature will now be displayed on the Site 1 display. As Site 2 display is not needed, that display may be covered with tape.
- Press °C/°F switch to select Celsius temperature display.
Hourly and subsequent skin temperature monitoring may be done with the Mon-a-therm and/or by measurement of axillary temperature as per NICU policy. Skin temperatures may be monitored using other manufacturers’ devices similar to the Mon-a-therm as well as obtained from the radiant warmer, but only in cases where the warmer temperature digital display operates independently of the warmer heater mechanism. For these radiant warmers, it will be critical to insure that the HEATER OUTPUT IS NOT INADVERTENTLY TURNED ON DURING BODY COOLING.