The nurse would perform direct auscultation by

Question

a. listening to the patient with the unaided ear from some distance away.
b. using an acoustic stethoscope.
c. using a Doppler.
d. using a digital stethoscope.

Answer 1

A
There are two types of auscultation: direct and indirect. Direct or immediate auscultation is the process of listening with the unaided ear. This can include listening to the patient from some distance away or placing the ear directly on the patient's skin surface. Some sounds such as respiratory stridor, severe wheezing, and abdominal gurgling can be heard without the use of special equipment. Indirect auscultation describes the process of listening with some amplification using a mechanical device. The nurse most often uses an acoustic stethoscope. Another device used for indirect auscultation is the Doppler ultrasonic stethoscope. Fetal heart tones and unpalpable peripheral pulses are frequently assessed with the Doppler. A digital stethoscope is another device used for indirect auscultation. It enhances sound clarity and can amplify natural sounds up to 30 times. The volume can be adjusted and a mute feature for crying children is available.