Final answer:
To take a tympanic temperature, gently pull a child's ear upward and backward to straighten the ear canal for accurate measurement with an infrared ear thermometer, making sure to be gentle to avoid discomfort or injury.
Step-by-step explanation:
When taking a child's tympanic temperature, it is important to handle the ear gently. If you are using an infrared ear thermometer, which was developed by NASA and the Diatek Corporation utilizing infrared astronomy technology, you should gently pull the child's ear upward and backward for children over 1 year old. This helps to straighten the ear canal, providing a clear path to the eardrum and improving the accuracy of the temperature measurement. For infants younger than 1 year, the ear should be pulled backward and slightly downward. Infrared ear thermometers are advantageous because they permit quick temperature measurement and reduce the risk of cross-infection.