Having trouble....

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Hey, I have a question. I'm having problems hearing respirations with my stethoscope (it's a good one, a Littman, the lightweight model). I can hear pulses and bowel signs fine but I'm having problem hearing the breathing. Any tips?

xoxo

Kay

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Pediatrics, Home Health.

Kay,

Practice on your kids. Put the scope on your boys' backs, about the middle a little to the left or right of center. Have them cough so you can hear and then tell them to breathe deeply. After you hear their breath, let them listen and watch their eyes!! I did this w/ my kids and LOVED it. Move the scope to their chests and listen there too. Then let them listen to their own heartbeat. It will blow them away!! Have a camera close to capture it on film. The look is PRICELESS!!!

Hope this helps!

PS My kid RUN when they see me get my BP cuff out because when I was training to be an EMT-B I was told to pump it up to 200 and then let it out S_L_O_W_L_Y!! It's amazing that I didn't do serious bodily harm!! :)

Let me know if this helps!

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Specializes in OB.

Make sure you are listening BETWEEN the ribs, you can't hear anything through bone.

Other than that, just practice on anyone who is willing.

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