why do we look for temperature in the dorsum of hand
health advisory
Hospital
Doctor Yu
2007-11-8 19:08:23
Answers:
It is rather common for people to feel another's forehead with the dorsum of the hand. The forehead is generally open to the air constantly, as it the dorsum of the hand. The palm tends to be a bit warmer as it is relatively closed or convex when compared to the other side of the hand.
This is not a terribly accurate way to estimate body temperature in another, but it is often revealing and can lead to the use of a thermometer, an aspirin, or a physician.
"We" don't. The temps are taken under the tongue, in the ear, or in the rectum. If someone used the dorsum of your hand it's probably because you had a traumatic injury somewhere above it and they want to see if the area is "cold" or "normal" to determine blood flow to the area. Coldness would indicate a "red flag." Pulses are taken radially, bilaterally.
normally you don't. though it can be a sign of poor circulation