best littmann

CEN35 · Apr 23, 2002

i can't think of the model litman i have right now? i currently have one that was $128, diaghram and bell on one side. the sound is great!

me :)

proud2bme · Apr 23, 2002

WOW, CEN- aren't you a CUTIE!

CC NRSE · Apr 24, 2002

i use the littman cardiology iii. i orginally got it because it has a dual diaphram (adult on one side and peds on the other). at the time,...i had no idea which area i wanted to work in. if i had it to do all over again,...i would have gotten the master cardiology because i only work with adults!!!! i think the kind of stethoscope you use is a personal perference. i love my littman. i would be totally lost without it!!!! some are a little more exspensive than others. if you are pressed for $$.....my suggestion is to go with a cheaper one for now. they do have a tendency to grow legs and walk away!!!

jules-RN · Apr 24, 2002

I have the cardiology II (sounds like the one cen35 has). I bought it a few years ago for around $130. They don't make that model anymore...they updated it to the dual diaphragm one. I love it though. I had the master classic, but couldn't stand the single sided chest piece...personal opinion. I also had the classic II, but I had a hard time with some lung sounds (I worked in respiratory) and I found that the cardiology II was louder and made it easier to listen to those elderly patients with poor effort and patients on a vent. :nurse:

Level2Trauma · Apr 24, 2002

I use the Littman III stethoscope as mentioned above. It has an adult diaphram and a pediatric diaphram on the other side that can also be transformed into a bell (standard equipment which comes with it). I am currently in the nurse practitioner program and needed a stethoscope with a wide variety of uses: depending on which clinical rotation I was in, pediatrics or adult. It has been great. I had also thought about the Master Cardiology but the company rep. said that "although it was a good stethoscope, it is very difficult to learn to use (even for the cardiologists). It works based on the amount of pressure applied to the diaphram. Depends on what sounds(high or low pitched) you wish to hear and what area you are auscultating, as to the amount of pressure applied.

CashewLPN, LPN · Apr 24, 2002

I use the Littman Lightweight...

Albiet less expensive than the 'super-scopes' the others have, I find it to do quite well..... the earpieces are comfy, and it does sound better than a cheapie...

px is that alot of people use it... so be sure to lable it and put it in your pocket at all times...

--Barbara

P_RN, ADN, RN · Apr 24, 2002

Littman Cardiology. Actually bought it from a resident for $20 because he said SURGEONS don't NEED a stethoscope! I wish I'd bought the oto-ophthalmoscope he was selling for $20 also!!

TopazStone · Apr 24, 2002

I have the Cardiology II. If you want good sound transmission, pull out the diaphragm and ::gasp:: cut a few inches of tubing off. You want it long enough that the patient can't grab a hold of you when agitated, but a shorter tube makes the sound stronger.

SICU Queen · Apr 24, 2002

Cardiology II here... my absolute fave. I used a Sprague in school, and heard very well with that. I liked it a lot too.

Just don't get something you'll feel horrible about losing. They miraculously grow legs and walk away.

Unless you engrave your name on the bell... :)

Trauma Columnist · Apr 24, 2002

I have the Littman with the peds/adult sides. Absolutely love it!!! I work in level I trauma center, so have to hear in all kinds of environments!!!

studentnurse_02 · Apr 25, 2002

thanks for all of your opinions!! greatly appreciated!