Final answer:
The examination method being used is palpation, where hands are employed to assess the skin's temperature, and this technique can indicate various health conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The method of examination being used when a nurse employs their hands to assess the temperature of a patient's skin is palpation. This is a common technique used to detect differences in skin temperature, which can be indicative of various health conditions.
Palpation involves the use of the hands to examine the body through touch. It allows healthcare professionals to assess the consistency of organs, detect the presence of lumps, and evaluate pain. Palpation is different from other methods such as inspection, which involves looking, percussion, which involves tapping on the body to discern sounds or vibrations, and observation, which is a broader term that includes watching for signs and assessing the general state of the patient.