Thermometer and Temperatures
 

Hi,

So have just finished my First Aid training and have been told we are no longer allowed to administer Calpol to bring a temperature down. I have spoken to my work before about this and was told that if the parents request it they need to follow what they say. Is this true?

Also are Nursery Nurses allowed to use an in the ear thermometer to check a child's temperture? In my last setting I used these but in my new setting they do not. I explained that using a forehead strip only gives the surface temperture and that the other kind is more accurate. My supervisor's response was that you need to be qualified to use them. Is this true? Does anybody else use these in their setting?

you should never administer calpol unless it is prescribed by a doc and for a specific purpose. if a child has a temp the only place they should be is at home. you do not do it even if parents say you should you ONLY ever administer prescribed meds. if your setting isnt following these guidelines i would ask why? and also why they would e need to when the DOH guidelines are clear that if a s child is ill they should be at home therefore no need to treat?
of course a nn can use a therm but again i would ask why they would need to? if a child has a temp you ring the parents immediately and they pick and do NOT return till the child is well.

There is an excellent document about Administering Medication on the Ofsted website.

There are times were 'non-perscription' medication can be given- but the guidance MUST be followed, as it gives clear definitons as to what classes as non-prescription etc.

we only administer calpol if a child is signed up and we believe they require it. or are sick during the day and we phone parents and they give permission. They do say we shouldnt but the wording on the official document saying we shouldnt isnt clear enough to state we must not so we still do but only as i said above.