Can't hear normal breath sounds

Mar 18, 2007 01:16 AM

by Nursebarebari

Hi fellow nurses,
I feel embarassed to ask this question, but how can I know if I don't ask. Well, I have been a RN for three years, but I have never been able to hear normal breath sounds with a stethoscope. I always listen to each of my patients lung sound on daily assessments, but never hear any thing except for loud wheezing and rales from trach or asthma pts.
Is there a special technique

Please help.

csadam · Mar 18, 2007, 02:11 AM

Re: Can't hear normal breath sounds

Either you need a better stethoscope, or all your non wheezing pts are diminished...

IN ALL LUNG FIELDS.
Seriously try listening to your lungs with your stethoscope, if you don't hear anything get a new one!
Good luck!

*CritterLover* · Mar 18, 2007, 01:36 PM

Re: Can't hear normal breath sounds

Normal breath sounds are pretty subtle.

Don't mean to sound like a smarty, but have you tried really paying attention?

I can remember having this problem when I was in school, and I just wasn't listening closely.

Agree that it could be your stethascope, or maybe you need your hearing checked?

**EricJRN** · Mar 18, 2007, 09:05 PM

Re: Can't hear normal breath sounds

If you get in the intercostal spaces (as opposed to on top of ribs), you may have more luck.

**sirI** · Mar 19, 2007, 06:56 AM

Re: Can't hear normal breath sounds

Hello, hajiagambo,

You might try these links, too. (found in this sticky Helpful Information for the Unit in the CCU forum):

http://sprojects.mmi.mcgill.ca/mvs/ The Virtual Sethoscope

http://www.wilkes.med.ucla.edu/intro.html Heart and Breath Sounds

http://www.rale.ca/ Breath Sounds

RNLULULABAMBA · Mar 24, 2007, 02:34 AM

Re: Can't hear normal breath sounds

Originally Posted by siri

Hello, hajiagambo,

You might try these links, too. (found in this sticky Helpful Information for the Unit in the CCU forum):

http://sprojects.mmi.mcgill.ca/mvs/ The Virtual Sethoscope

http://www.wilkes.med.ucla.edu/intro.html Heart and Breath Sounds

http://www.rale.ca/ Breath Sounds

Hi
good sites for hajiagambo

I tried using them too

pointeblanc23 · May 17, 2007, 09:31 AM

Re: Can't hear normal breath sounds

amazing sites... i also tried using them... helps me alot distinguishing all those different sounds although one could never master them all at once...Thanks

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Can't hear normal breath sounds

Can't hear normal breath sounds

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