Effect of Tachypnea on Oral Temperature Estimation: A Replication

The effect of tachypnea on oral temperature measurement was examined in 53 patients in a medical intensive care unit. This study was a replication of Tandberg and Sklarʼs (1983) study. The effect on rectal/oral temperature difference exerted by normal respiratory rate (20 or less respirations per minute) versus tachypnea (greater than 20 respirations per minute) was studied. A t test demonstrated that mean rectal/oral temperature difference between the groups was significantly different, t = —3.26, df = 49.45, p < .01, supporting Tandberg and Sklarʼs findings. The present study found a positive relationship between the variables, r = .33, p