What is the main purpose of a stethoscope?

What is the main purpose of a stethoscope?

stethoscope, medical instrument used in listening to sounds produced within the body, chiefly in the heart or lungs.

What can a stethoscope detect in lungs?

Using a stethoscope, the doctor may hear normal breathing sounds, decreased or absent breath sounds, and abnormal breath sounds. Absent or decreased sounds can mean: Air or fluid in or around the lungs (such as pneumonia, heart failure, and pleural effusion)

What Pulse does a stethoscope measure?

A stethoscope is used to measure the apical pulse. A clock or wristwatch with seconds is also needed. The apical pulse is best assessed when you are either sitting or lying down. Your doctor will use a series of “landmarks” on your body to identify what’s called the point of maximal impulse (PMI).

Why do doctors check your back with a stethoscope?

Weird Exam #1: Your Doctor Puts a Stethoscope on Your Back This helps doctors hear your lungs—especially the two lower lobes, which you can’t hear at all from the front of your body, explains Robin Maier, M.D., an assistant professor of family medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Why do doctors check lungs with stethoscope?

Lungs. The stethoscope can let your doctor hear sounds like crackles, rales (sounds like rattling or crumpling cellophane) or detect no sounds in the lungs where some should be present. The various sounds can help your doctor screen for and/or diagnose lung problems.

Why does a doctor push on your stomach?

Pressing on your stomach is a way to find out if the size of your internal organs is normal, to check if anything hurts, and to feel if anything unusual is going on. Looking, listening, and feeling are all part of a physical exam.

Why do doctors listen to your stomach with a stethoscope?

This is to make sure nothing is too tender, too big, or too firm. Along with the tummy-touching, a doctor will want to examine your skin, the shape of your abdomen, and how it moves as you breathe in and out. The doctor will probably also listen to the abdomen, as some bowel problems can be heard with a stethoscope.

What is a stethoscope and how does it work?

A stethoscope is used to listen to sound waves in the body. The diaphragm registers internal sound waves felt against a patient’s skin. A doctor will hold the chestpiece on the patient’s chest and sound waves will then vibrate the diaphragm. The stethoscope also has hollow acoustic tubes that are thinner than the diaphragm.

What is the correct way to use a stethoscope?

If you follow the proper way to use a stethoscope, you’ll hear all the sounds crisp and clear. You should hold the chest piece between the index and middle fingers of your dominant hand. You should not grip the chest piece with the tips of your fingers since this can create extra noise.

How do you make a stethoscope?

Making a Simple Stethoscope Cover the top of a funnel with a balloon. Wrap electrical tape around the balloon to hold it in place, if needed. Stick the end of the funnel into a piece of clear, flexible, plastic tubing. Add a second, matching funnel to the other end, if desired. Use the stethoscope in a quiet room.

What can a stethascope be used for?

A stethoscope is a medical device that is used, generally, by doctors, nurses and other medical professionals. They use it predominantly to perform checks on the heart and lung functions . These checks are called auscultations.