Neonatal Stethoscopes?

NICUmiiki, DNP, NP · Dec 17, 2015

Did they tell you to buy a stethoscope? Each baby has their own in my unit and I thought that was a pretty common practice in NICUs. I definitely appreciate it and I helps (in theory; I don't know the real stats) reduce infections caused by organisms that hitch rides on stethoscopes.

To answer your question: Yes, you can use the pediatric side. But on the really small babies, even that might seem too big. The tunable diaphragm may not work well with them either because most times there is not a flat area of skin to place the stethoscope. I often have to listen through cardiac leads and wires. I would rather a neonatal stethoscope with separate bell and diaphragm.

llg, PhD, RN · Dec 17, 2015

I've worked in several NICU's over the years and have never worked in one that allowed people to use their own stethoscope. Each baby has always had their own for infection control reasons.

I can't imagine using a big pediatric scope on a tiny preemie.

BittyBabyGrower, MSN, RN · Dec 17, 2015

We use our own, just clean in between. For isolated patients

they give them a disposable but it is for adults. Really?

Litmann makes a neonatal one and I suggest getting that one. A peds bell will not work on a 23 weeker.

Knight Nurse · Dec 17, 2015

Thank you for the suggestion on the brand. I will look into ordering a Littmann :)

Knight Nurse · Dec 17, 2015

Did they tell you to buy a stethoscope? Each baby has their own in my unit and I thought that was a pretty common practice in NICUs. I definitely appreciate it and I helps (in theory; I don't know the real stats) reduce infections caused by organisms that hitch rides on stethoscopes.
To answer your question: Yes, you can use the pediatric side. But on the really small babies, even that might seem too big. The tunable diaphragm may not work well with them either because most times there is not a flat area of skin to place the stethoscope. I often have to listen through cardiac leads and wires. I would rather a neonatal stethoscope with separate bell and diaphragm.

At the hospital where I completed my practicum experience, they had a stethoscope for each infant and I was not required to provide one.

However, I have been hired at a different hospital and they informed me that I would need to purchase my own neonatal stethoscope and clean it in-between patients.

AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Dec 19, 2015

I wish people would stop thinking their stethoscopes have a pediatric and adult side. They don't, the different sides have to do with listening to high and low frequency sounds, please read the instructions!

Annie

SassyTachyRN · Dec 20, 2015

I wish people would stop thinking their stethoscopes have a pediatric and adult side. They don't, the different sides have to do with listening to high and low frequency sounds, please read the instructions!
Annie

3M Littmann Stethoscopes: Catalog:*3M[emoji769] Littmann[emoji768] Cardiology III[emoji769] Stethoscope, Black Tube, 27 inch, 3128

The cardiology III DOES have an adult diaphragm on one side and a pedi diaphragm on the other (which is what the OP has). There is no bell, but you can remove the pedi diaphragm to have a bell. With the cardiology III you press lightly to hear low frequency sounds and harder to hear high frequency sounds.

NICUmiiki, DNP, NP · Dec 21, 2015

I wish people would stop thinking their stethoscopes have a pediatric and adult side. They don't, the different sides have to do with listening to high and low frequency sounds, please read the instructions!
Annie

But some stethoscopes do. One side has an adult tunable diaphragm and the other has a pediatric tunable diaphragm. This is not the same thing as a bell and diaphragm. A tunable diaphragm is capable of picking up sounds that a bell would be used for. You do this by changing the amount of pressure used when placing it.