feel inadequate in assessing heart sounds

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I am a new grad working in LTC, never had any experience before this job. I feel as though in school they really don't spend enough time with physical assessment.

I am having a hard time understanding heart sounds and to know what to look for.

Most all elderly people have abnormal heart sounds, but I don't know exactly what to look for. I want to learn more about this and want to be more proficient. Does anyone have any ideas the best way for me to learn more. What do I listen for when they have heart failure, as a diagnosis, when should I be concerned? When do I contact the doctor? Most of the abnormal sounds I hear are their "normal" sounds

I wish I could follow a Cardiac Nurse around and have her explain the different sounds she is hearing, is this possible???

any advice would be helpful

Bea

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

There are many teaching tools available on line. Google heart sounds and you're sure to find some.

When I was in nursing school--back when dinosaurs roamed the Earth--I was the one who had the 'best' murmur to listen to. I was about as abnormal as you could be and still be walking around.

Good luck.

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Specializes in certified med tech and Lpn.

I think you can go to like American Heart Association and hear all kinds of sounds. They even do lung sounds. Extremely helpful

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This guy is great. Gives good examples too. I have not watched his other videos but I did like this one. Simple and to the point.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Float Pool, MICU, CTICU.

Go to this website http://www.easyauscultation.com/

You will find basic and advance heart and lung sounds! Make sure to use your headphones/earbuds. Hope this helps!

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Ditto the examples above. Some university med schools have audio/video on their website, I believe one of the is the University of Utah. Invest in a really good stethoscope, and take ACLS certification or a Dysrhythmia course. Practice listening to "healthy hearts" friends, kids, etc.

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Go to this website Auscultation Training and Reference - Heart Sounds and Lung Sounds

You will find basic and advance heart and lung sounds! Make sure to use your headphones/earbuds. Hope this helps!

This is a GREAT site!!!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Float Pool, MICU, CTICU.

It sure is! This site was introduced to us during first semester and I still use it lol!

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