Final answer:
To take a temperature using a temporal artery thermometer, a medical assistant would slide the thermometer across the patient's forehead to measure the infrared radiation emitted by the skin above the temporal artery.
Step-by-step explanation:
A medical assistant would use a temporal artery thermometer to measure a patient's body temperature by sliding the thermometer across the patient's forehead. This type of thermometer utilizes infrared radiation to detect the temperature of the skin over the temporal artery, which is located beneath the skin of the forehead. Temporal artery thermometers are non-invasive, quick, and can provide accurate temperature readings. The temporal artery thermometer measures the infrared radiation emitted by the temporal artery, which can be used to estimate the body temperature. This method is non-invasive and provides a quick and accurate measurement.