Right now I'm freaking out, and could use some soothing ...
Today we were in the lab doing VS ... I seem to be totally unable to hear the Korakoff (sp?) sounds.
Tried 2 different scopes ... had the instructor using the double scope so she could hear what I should have been hearing ...
I do have some hearing loss, mostly in the low range, and I knew it was possible that that would be a factor. But right now I'm scared - what if I just can't hear what I'm supposed to be hearing?
Tomorrow it's back to the lab, and I'm going to try again ...
-Make sure you practice in a quiet room. It will be hard to hear with people talking in the background.
-Finding the brachial pulse is a real pain. If you extend the arm and then feel for it, you should have no problem. Got this hint from an RN and it works quite well!
Again, good luck. Let us know how your practice session goes.
Excellent idea. Practice on as many people as you can find. I spent a lot of time going up to friends and family and asking if I could try to find their brachial pulse. It helped.
I am in the South Hills but go to CCAC North Campus. Are you in the burgh as well?
Make sure there isn't too much slack in the stethoscope. Kind of keep it taunt between you and the patient.
Also, just till you get so you can hear the sounds, pump up to 200 then release slowly. It will be uncomfortable for your "victim" but should help you hear sounds. Also if you watch real carefully on the dial, you will notice a slight upward jump on the needle when the systiole sounds start.
I too am 36, live in PA (York) and am a patient care assistant at an assited living community working an 11-7 shift. Where are you going to school? Are you near me? And also, do you have any kids? I am having such a hard time with this that the mere thought of going to school, at my age & with 3 kids, is staggering to me. But being a nurse is ALL I can think about. Got any advice??? You can e-mail me privately if you like.
If you have one of those that you twist the head around depending on whether you want bell or diaphragm make sure it is set on the one you are using. If it's set on bell and you are listening with the diaphragm you will hear nothing but the sounds of silence:)
another tip....try opening your mouth slightly to open up your ears.
those double-headed scopes suck! during checkoffs on vs i had to go through three sets before i could get it (not to mention my instructor checking me off kept either clearing her throat or making gurgling noises.....didn't make it very easy)
i vote master classic II - don't know where i'd be w/o mine :)
blkdawn
64 Posts
And another thing is to make sure that the ear pieces are facing FORWARD (as in towards your face).
Good luck!