Passage of Thermometer Through the Gastrointestinal Tract

Abstract

To the Editor.— The literature has references to a variety of foreign bodies found in the appendix in the gastrointestinal tract, 1 but we have been unable to locate a report in which an intact oral thermometer has been swallowed inadvertently and passed completely through the gastrointestinal tract. Report of a Case.— A 26-year-old man involved in an auto accident in May 1969 suffered a head injury with a resultant spastic quadriplegia. He had five neurosurgical procedures done on his head, was hyperreflexic throughout, and markedly uncoordinated in all extremities. He responded to simple commands when they were repeated. His speech was reported as perseveration considerably enriched with profanity. The nursing orders clearly stated that the rectal temperature was to be taken once daily. On Dec 30, 1971, a nursing aide attempted to take the oral temperature. When the aide came back to record the temperature she could not find