Which of the following statements are TRUE about the use of a stethoscope and a respiratory assessment? (Select all that apply.)
a. The stethoscope's eartips should point toward the nose.
b. All five lobes need to be auscultated and assessed.
c. The diaphragm of the stethoscope is used to detect high-pitched sounds.
d. When auscultating, the nurse should place the stethoscope on the ribs for the best assessment.
e. Vesicular breath sounds are heard over the majority of the lungs.
f. Abnormal breath sounds include adventitious breath sounds as well as crackles and wheezes.
A, B, C, E, F
One of the most valuable tools of a nurse is the stethoscope. In order to maximize the quality of sound, it is important to use the stethoscope correctly. Eartips should point toward the nose, fitting the normal direction of the auditory canal. The stethoscope must have both a diaphragm and a bell. The diaphragm, primarily used for respiratory assessment, is the larger, flat piece and is used with firm pressure against the chest to detect high-pitched sounds. While not typically used to assess the lungs, the bell is a smaller and concave piece used with very light pressure against the chest to detect low-pitched heart sounds and murmurs. When auscultating breath sounds, the nurse should place the stethoscope between the ribs, in the intercostal spaces. It is easier to hear breath sounds through tissue than bone. Care should be taken to avoid placing the stethoscope over the scapula or vertebral column when auscultating breath sounds posteriorly. It is important to remember that the right side of the chest has three lungs lobes and the left side has two. All five lung lobes need to be auscultated and assessed.
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