[laineDec2007]

How do I distinguish between distant and diminished breath sounds? Could a person's weight cause their breath sounds to be distant? Yesterday I got what sounded like diminished breath sounds on a healthy new mother. Could it be that I have a bad stethoscope? I don't have any problem with crackles or wheezes. Am I doing something wrong?

[jamonit]

no. buy a litman stethoscope, first of all. secondly, know that diminished sounds can occur in someone who has been on bedrest without cardiopulmonary toileting. i usually hear diminished sounds in the lower lobes. chart what you hear, then have your instructor go through it with you or your preceptor. that's my opinion.

good luck!