Block 1 Nursing Student- Electronic Stethoscope?

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As a block 1 nursing student I am struggling with hearing the systolic blood pressure, I seem to be okay on the diastolic (most of the time). I feel like I can hear fairly well, I try to make sure I don't touch anywhere on the tubing as I can hear every little rustle. However, since I am not a young student (I am 50 years old) I am wondering if an electronic stethoscope would be helpful? Iappreciate any advice from anyone who uses one, especially if you don't have a diagnoised hearing problem but struggle with accuracy on blood pressures. Thanks!!

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Specializes in ICU, step down, dialysis.

Moved to Nursing Scrubs/Uniforms/Gear for best response.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I use an electronic stethoscope but I'm listening to pts on dialysis. I would suggest a littmann cardiology. The electronic ones are pretty hefty $$$.

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There are electronic stethoscopes? Where have I been? Lol

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TraumaRUs thanks for your post. After reading your comment I looked at the Littmann Cardiology which are about $150 less than the electronic stethoscopes. I currently have a Littmann Classic II S.E. My concern in purchasing the Cardiology stethoscope is that I may still struggle with hearing as well as I need to and then still need to purchase an electronic stethoscope. I don't feel that I'm hard of hearing but somehow I'm not hearing the BP as well as I should. Do you have any comments on whether I should buy the Cardiology and hope it is better for me than the Classic II or just put out the money and go with an electronic model? I truly appreciate your feedback.

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Specializes in Trauma 4yr Flight 8mn.

I use the cardiology III as a flight nurse who is in all sorts of interesting places. It's so good sometimes I wish I had my regular litman when checking endotracheal tube placement as I hear EVERYTHING with equal breath sounds. I've had to change my style of listening. Also try not to take deep breaths when ur listening as u may drown out the sounds ur listening for.

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Specializes in Trauma 4yr Flight 8mn.

Actually, I just looked and I forgot I upgraded to the master cardiology because it does not have a bell, making it smaller

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

I was wondering if it was a master....LOL....I like the simple Cardiology III. to the OP hint....the needle may "jump a little" on the sphygmomanometer when the first sound should be heard.

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Specializes in None.
I was wondering if it was a master....LOL....I like the simple Cardiology III. to the OP hint....the needle may "jump a little" on the sphygmomanometer when the first sound should be heard.

This is true. I've had to get the needle to guide me before when I have had a ton of family with screaming kids in a patients room. Also, if you do decide to get electronic make sure the school allows you to have it. I know my school does not allow electronic stethoscopes.

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

the cardiologyIII is far superior to the classic two, design, thicker tubing etc.... i hear very well with it.....i also hear very welk with the master classicII......

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