Final answer:
The physician might use a tuning fork to assess a patient's ability to detect sound vibrations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The physician might use a tuning fork to assess a patient's ability to detect sound vibrations. By placing a vibrating tuning fork against prominent bone features, such as the distal head of the ulna on the medial aspect of the elbow, the physician can test the patient's perception of tactile movement and ability to sense motion. This helps evaluate the patient's sensory functions.