Thermoregulation, PICU/PCU — Methods to Measure Temperature — Clinical Pathway: ICU

Thermoregulation Clinical Pathway — PICU and PCU

Methods to Measure Temperature

A core temperature is the gold standard.

Core temperature is measured internally and is more reliable than a surface temperature and therefore should be considered the child's true temperature. Preferred probe location (descending order):

  1. Esophageal
  2. Foley
  3. Rectal

Surface temperature is altered by critical illness, vasopressors and cooling devices:

  • Axillary
  • Surface probe