Uses of a Stethoscope

Stethoscopes have been around for over 200 years and despite modern advances, they maintain the same basic design and function. A stethoscope's primary use is for auscultation, or listening to body sounds.

Heart

The stethoscope is used to hear a patient's heartbeat. Used on the left portion of the chest and between the fourth and sixth rib, the stethoscope is then moved around the chest to determine if the heart beat is normal or irregular.

Low and High Pitches

The "bell" side of the stethoscope is used to listen for low pitch sounds. The "diaphragm" side is used to listen for the alternative, higher pitched sounds. Using both of these pieces together makes for the great range of hearing capabilities that stethoscopes provide.

Lungs

"Wheezes" or "cracks" in patient's breathing that can be detected with a stethoscope may be signs of illness.

Intestines and Stomach

Stethoscopes are also commonly used to check the stomach, small intestine and large intestine. The stomach and small intestine are checked by holding the stethoscope over the upper-left portion of the abdomen. The large intestine is checked by holding the stethoscope over the lower part of the abdomen.

References

• Surgery Encyclopedia: Stethoscopes