Normal pulse rate (adult) about 72 per minute.
Normal respiration rate (adult), 15 to 18 per minute.
Normal temperature, 98.4° F., but varying in health between 97.5° and 99°.
Temperature Taking.
The temperature of the body may be taken in the armpit, the mouth, or the lower part of the bowel.
In the Armpit.—Dry armpit well, put the bulb of the thermometer into it, and press the arm tightly against the body, so that the thermometer will be in close contact with the skin on either side for at least five minutes.
In the Mouth.—Wash the thermometer in an antiseptic solution, dry it and place the bulb well under the tongue and close the lips on the stem; at least three minutes should be allowed. This is a more reliable way of taking the temperature than in the armpit.
In the Bowel.—If the patient is very ill and light-headed, it is not advisable to place the thermometer in the mouth, and when a patient is having a cool bath to reduce his temperature a reading will be needed at least every quarter of an hour; in these cases it is best to pass the end of the thermometer, which has been previously greased, about two inches up the bowel, and to leave it there for at least two and a half minutes.
Do not trust in half-minute or minute thermometers, always allow the full time given above. Before taking a patient’s temperature see that the mercury in the thermometer is shaken down at least as low as 97° F. After the temperature has been taken, note it down carefully, wash the thermometer, and shake the mercury down to 97° F. If the thermometer is washed in hot water, the expanding mercury may break it.