In article <[log in to unmask]>,
Braham Claridge <[log in to unmask]> writes
>Yes. If you are thinking of appendicitis, then the presence of the
>temperature can be a helpful pointer. It also convinces the parents that
>you are doing the examination properly. A traditional thermometer also
>keeps everyone quiet for three minutes and gives you time to think.
>
I've always thought that the temp was often normal or only slightly
raised in appendicitis, but it is one of the only (?the only) use I've
found for a Feverscan strip.
There was a paper in the BMJ yonks ago which suggested that a difference
of 1 deg between the skin temp on each side of the abdomen was a fairly
reliable sign of appendicitis. I've tried it a few times when I could
find a strip.
The patients do look at you a bit strangely, come to think of it they
always do that...
--
Peter Marshall Phone +44 118 966 9222
Fax +44 118 935 3174
email [log in to unmask] Home +44 118 966 8794
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