|  | Family Health | Health Care

Problems Using Stethoscope

Invented in 1816 by René Laennec the stethoscope has proved to be an effective tool for health care providers. It is such a good tool that it is still considered one of the best ways to perform an initial assessment on a patient before other tests are performed. It is used to listen to the heart, lungs, abdomen, arteries -- and even arterial shunts used in dialysis. Yet there are problems that can happen using stethoscopes.

  1. Damage

    • You can damage a stethoscope in many ways. If you use the wrong cleaning products the tubing may become cracked. the diaphragm or bell can be damaged if accidentally struck against a hard object. The headset can become bent if sat upon, which happens often. And the ear-tips can become dislodged or even become unscrewed with rough handling.

    Proper Usage

    • It is possible for you to use a stethoscope incorrectly. For instance, there is a diaphragm side and a bell side that swivel into position. If you don't align them correctly it might not engage the tubing and you won't be able to hear anything. The headset is designed to be worn at an angle pointing toward the ear canals. If you wear the stethoscope incorrectly it can result in poor acoustic resonance which will thwart the accuracy of your assessment.

    Obstruction

    • Sometimes the stethoscope can become obstructed. The ear-tips can become so clogged with cerumen, also known as ear wax, that it prevents you from hearing correctly. The headset is a great place for dust or lint to accumulate. There are all forms of debris that can find a way into the inner workings of a stethoscope -- so it is important to routinely clean and maintain all of its parts.

    Parts Replacement

    • You will need to buy a new stethoscope or replace worn parts as they wear out. This tool relies on good working pieces in order to perform properly and transmit body sounds from the patient to your ears. Loose parts, loose tubing or cracked pieces can prevent an airtight seal which the stethoscope requires. Since every part of a stethoscope is important to its efficiency, any broken pieces means the whole thing is broken.

Health Care - Related Articles