Dual Head Stethoscope & Sphygmomanometer??

Guests · Feb 26, 2014

Dual-head means that the head is on a swivel and has a diaphragm on one side and a bell on the other (or a pediatric diaphragm).

The diaphragm picks up higher frequency sounds while the bell picks up lower frequency sounds (for example, it's what you use if you're really trying to get as accurate a bp as possible by auscultation).

Honestly, the dual-head really has no practical benefit for nursing.

BP cuff: Just buy a cheapo one... you're not going to use it much, anyway... unless you end up doing volunteer clinic work in which case a kit with different sizes is really needed.

kimmie24 · Feb 27, 2014

Thank you!! I'll definitely get a cheap blood pressure cuff.

My program requires this dual-head stethoscope. Do you have any recommendations for that? Would cheaper stethoscopes work less effectively?

Thanks!

Guests · Feb 27, 2014

Sure, the cheaper stethoscopes are somewhat less effective but they are sufficiently effective for what you'll be doing.

kimmie24 · Feb 28, 2014

Thank you so much for your help! :)

Exhaustipated, ADN, BSN · Feb 28, 2014

My program didn't list the dual-head steth as required, but during our physical assessment checkoffs, we were required to demonstrate use of the dual head. As for Littmann vs. cheaper, I recommend going into a scrub shop and trying them out. I tried a couple of different steths and ended up with the Littmann Classic II SE because when I tried the less expensive one recommended by the store I couldn't hear anything. I have a friend that got the less expensive one because she heard better with that. Another friend actually returned Littmann Classic II Se and bought a more expensive one because that one was the one she needed. It's very personal, and I recommend you make sure you get the one that's best for you to do the job you need to do.

As for the sphygmo, I did buy one because I felt I needed to practice at home. I went to a local medical supply store and bought one there. I think it was less than $25.