Final answer:
The tympanic (ear) method, using advanced infrared ear thermometers, is the most accurate for measuring a patient's body temperature according to the technological improvements highlighted. These thermometers offer fast, accurate, and minimally invasive temperature measurements for various patients.
Step-by-step explanation:
When measuring a patient's body temperature, the most accurate sites typically used by an EKG technician or any healthcare professional include the oral, axillary, tympanic (ear), and temporal artery locations. However, advanced technology has led to the development of infrared ear thermometers that use infrared astronomy technology, similar to how the temperature of stars and planets is measured. These infrared ear thermometers are particularly remarkable because they avoid contact with mucous membranes, reducing the risk of cross infection, and allow for rapid temperature measurement, which is crucial for newborns, critically-ill, or incapacitated patients.
Specifically, the figure 13.5 indicates that modern thermometers placed in the ear canal are more accurate than traditional alcohol thermometers placed under the tongue or in the armpit. The technology used by these devices is similar to that employed in checking the temperature of an aircraft carrier's ventilation system, where infrared radiation is measured for quick temperature readouts. Ear thermometers are also beneficial as they are quick and minimally invasive.