HOSA Medical Assisting Practice Test

The function of a tuning fork in medical assessments is primarily to test hearing acuity. When a tuning fork is struck, it produces a specific pitch and frequency of sound. This sound can be used in various hearing tests, such as the Rinne and Weber tests, which help determine a patient's ability to hear and can help differentiate between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.

In a clinical setting, a healthcare provider will typically place the tuning fork on the patient's mastoid bone or near the ear to assess the patient's auditory response. This allows for a straightforward and effective test of hearing sensitivity and function.

The other functions, such as testing blood pressure, checking heart rhythms, or measuring body temperature, are performed using different instruments and techniques that are not related to the tuning fork's auditory capabilities. Blood pressure is measured with a sphygmomanometer, heart rhythms are assessed using ECG machines or stethoscopes, and body temperature is taken with thermometers. Each of these assessments requires specialized tools rather than the auditory function of a tuning fork.