Stethoscope Help

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I need to purchase a good quality steth. The problem is, I do not know anything about them. I need one that I can use for adults and Peds. Are the kind with two heads what I need or will one with only one head work. I don't have a clue what high and low frequency options are either. Someone please explain stethoscopes to me.

I kinda want to buy a littman but I have no idea what kind to get. Can someone point me in the right direction please.

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For student purposes I wouldn't go with a horribly expensive one, but don't go with a cheapie either. I would suggest a Littman or Sprague between $30-$50. That will be enough to learn with, and you can get a more expensive one when you decide what area of nursing you want to go into. I work in the ER and I have a $25 Littman with one head. I don't need to know what the heart sounds are, I just need to be able to hear the beat and if there's a murmur. I'm more interested in breath sounds, and my scope is good enough for that.

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Specializes in Infection Preventionist/ Occ Health.

My school recommends the Littmann Lightweight because it's dual-headed, has good sound quality and is relatively inexpensive (approx. $40).

There are many threads about this topic, so you might want to do a search.

Good luck with your decision.

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

I have a Nurse Mates dual-tubed stethoscope that picks up sounds wonderfully and it cost me $16. I also have a Prestige single-tubed stethoscope that works splendidly and it cost mt $10. Cost is not a factor if a cheap stethoscope is capable of picking up quality sounds.

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Bump

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OK, I know it may seem unbelievable that I really know nothing about steths but I have to order one soon. Some one PLEASE give me a quick steth 101 course.

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Another littman lightweight here.

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Specializes in Med-Tele, ICU.
Another littman lightweight here.

I used a Prestige dual tubed stethoscope in school (bought it in the bookstore on campus)...forget what I paid for it (maybe around $15-$20). I used a Littman lightweight right out of school. Relatively inexpensive (around $40).

Like a previous poster said, stay inexpensive for school. You can upgrade when you get out. Within about 6 months of my graduating , I upgraded to a Cardiology III and I am happy with it.

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Specializes in NICU.

Our school recommended the Littman II SE, which is what I bought. I haven't received it yet, but they said it would work fine for everything we will need throughout our schooling - it is not the cheapest, but it is also far from the most expensive - it cost me $67.00 through the Student Nurse's Association from my school. Best of luck! :)

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Specializes in ICU, CVICU.

But really- what is the deal with the dual head thing? If I buy a Litmann...any Litmann..can I use it for Peds too?

Thanks!

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Specializes in NICU.

I really don't know - I'm sure someone with the answer will show up soon - I am curious too. :)

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I got my box, I have the Littmann Lightweight II S.E.

Are you talking about the turnable diaphragm? That is for listening to different high and low frequencies.

And yes, you can use it with children.

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