How hard do you press down on your stethoscope?

Published

Specializes in Neuro, Med-surg..

I ask because I feel like I get the same level of sensitivity and volume from all of my scopes. Is there such a thing as pressing down TOO firmly on the skin? Do you get better results with just lightly sealing the diaphragm on the skin? I'm a student and so my 'ears' aren't very developed yet. :) - To me, it seems like pressing too hard on the skin with the scope makes a 'rushing' noise and the clarity of the heart sounds goes down. Is that just me? Advice from the pros for the newbie are highly desired!

Cheers!

John

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Subacute Rehab.

In regards to heart sounds, they're low-frequency. If you look at "tunable" stethoscopes like the Littmanns, instructions are to press lightly for low-frequency and harder for high (eg lung sounds). Hope that helps.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neuro, Med-surg..

So if my scope has a non-tunable diaphragm (like an ADC Sprague or a 609 Adscope Lite) do I just press lightly? Or does it even make a difference in sound with a non-tunable scope?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

Yes the pressure you exert on the diaphragm does matter, especially when you don't have a separate bell and diaphragm. Usually light pressure is best for heart sounds and firm pressure is better for lung sounds and bowel sounds. If your not sure about your stethoscope then you should just play around with it a bit and see what works best for you.

!Chris :specs:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neuro, Med-surg..

I'll mess around with the scopes a bit and see what works. Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Management, Emergency, Psych, Med Surg.

I have a bit of trouble hearing and I just bought a stethoscope with amplified sound capability. It was expensive, about $300 but it was worth it. I can hear everything now.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion