Do LPNs use stethoscopes?

Nurses LPN/LVN

Published

It might sound like a stupid question, but whenever I see a video on youtube about an LPN they aren't wearing one; at least, not like RNs. Just wondering thats all...

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

When I was an LPN; I did, and many others that I know who are LPNs do. :blink:

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

I don't think I've ever met an LVN/LPN that didn't have a stethoscope on them somewhere...

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Do not believe everything you see on YouTube...

LPNs administer medications. Prior to administering them, the LPN must assess to determine if the medication is safe and/or reasonable to give.

The prudent LPN uses his/her stethoscope to listen to the apical pulse prior to administering digoxin. The prudent LPN uses his/her stethoscope to listen to lung sounds prior to administering an albuterol breathing treatment. The prudent LPN uses his/her stethoscope to listen to bowel sounds prior to administering that Dulcolax suppository.

And as a previous poster mentioned, I have not yet encountered an LPN who did not own a stethoscope. I'm waiting for the day when that happens.

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

I'd be frightened if one didn't! Or at least had one very available to them. An LPN can't do INITIAL assessments in my state, but they sure can do continuing ones. I'm not sure how you can assess bowel sounds or lung sounds without one and I surely hope they aren't guessing at an apical pulse before giving/holding Digoxin.

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A nurse shouldn't be wearing one. They shouldn't ever ever ever be around your neck.

CNAs use them... Why wouldn't a LPN/LVN not?

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

I wear mine around my neck. It's mine to do with what I want =)

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

I have one. For safety reasons it's kept in my pocket. My pedi patients like to yank on it. The reason (aside from safety) to not wear around neck is the tubing can break down d/t skin oils, etcetera.

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I wear mine around my neck. It's mine to do with what I want =)

Yes but a Pt could tug on it or an unstable Pt could try to use it to strangle you.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.

Yes, As an LVN, I use a stethoscope.

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I had and used mine all the time as an LPN. Many of my patients had resp issues and I was always assessing lung sounds..as well, I had many pts I had to check bowel sounds on. And..many of my patients were on meds that require an apical pulse prior to adminstrating the med..yup..LPN's use stethescopes :)

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Thanks guys for your answers. As a follow up do you get to wear your own scrubs? As in scrubs that don't match?

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