What is the primary use of a percussion hammer in a clinical setting?

The primary use of a percussion hammer in a clinical setting is to test reflexes. This tool is specifically designed to elicit a response from deep tendon reflexes by delivering a quick tap to the tendon or muscle, allowing the clinician to assess the integrity of the neurological pathways involved in the reflex arc. When the hammer is applied to a specific tendon, such as the patellar tendon at the knee, the expected response is a contraction of the muscle associated with that tendon, indicating normal functioning of the nervous system.

In contrast, the other options represent different clinical procedures that do not utilize a percussion hammer. Measuring blood pressure involves the use of a sphygmomanometer, checking for fever typically requires a thermometer, and auscultation is performed with a stethoscope to listen to internal sounds of the body, such as heartbeats or lung sounds. Thus, the percussion hammer serves a distinct and specialized function within the realm of neurological assessment.