Stethoscope Length?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi, was just wondering what is the best length for a stethoscope. I have pretty much decided on going on and getting a Littman Cardio III, but am not sure whether to get the 22" or the 27"? Any advice you can give me would be awesome. I will be starting N1 in the summer and want to have to only buy one steth and being as I am not sure which area I want to be in, I figured it would be the best for any areas, so only have to purchase one. I hope...lol

Thanks

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Get the longer one. You can always shorten it.

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Depends on how close you want to be when someone is coughing on you. :D

Could you guess I vote for the longer one?

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I agree with the other posters. I had the same decision to make when I started clinicals, and I'm glad I chose the 27" stethoscope. When you have pts. with pneumonia, postop bad breath, and plain old poor hygiene, you'll want the long one.

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Guess everyone is different. I love my short stethescope. :D

Heather

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I go for the 27" cardio. I also just purchased it on line and

haven't received it yet. I got it at Reasons Medical for

$119.95 and the engraving came to $10.95. I also get a

free cd on cario sounds with it. Can't wait to get it. I have

been reading this site about the best steth. and felt that

this one would be the best. Good luck with yours.

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Originally posted by OBNURSEHEATHER

Guess everyone is different. I love my short stethescope. :D

Heather

Wow, now I don't feel like the Lone Ranger, here. Depends on what you want...the longer the tubing, the more distortion you get.

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Shorter length and stiffer material are technically best for transmission. But, I like my longer one... :)

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I like my longer one. Keeps me out of the line of puke/loogies/bad breath...:D

Kristy

I have the 27" Cardio III and love it!!!!!!

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One of my nursing instructors told us that it is supposed to go down to your belly button. Mine (I have a littman also) is way longer than that but I am a bit vertically challenged so maybe that's why. I think when I am done with school and get a new one I would like to have a shorter one.

Sam

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Specializes in Float Pool, ICU/CCU, Med/Surg, Onc, Tele.

I like the 27" because it drapes better around the neck and doesn't feel like it's gonna fall off every time I lean forward. ;)

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I also have the Litmann 27" I wouldn't have anything else.

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