Which item is necessary for a nurse to perform the Weber test during a physical assessment?

The Weber test is a quick neurological test used to assess hearing. It specifically helps to determine whether a hearing loss is conductive or sensorineural. To perform this test, a tuning fork is essential because it produces a specific pitch of sound that is transmitted through bone conduction when placed on the forehead or the midline of the skull. The sound can then be evaluated to determine any discrepancies in hearing between the two ears.

In contrast, the other items mentioned are not applicable for this specific assessment. A sphygmomanometer is used to measure blood pressure, an otoscope is primarily for examining the ears, and a stethoscope is utilized for listening to internal body sounds such as heartbeats or lung sounds. Therefore, the tuning fork stands out as the key instrument needed for conducting the Weber test effectively.