How to Use a Sprague Stethoscope

The Sprague stethoscope is a medical device for listening to body sounds. Often used to listen to the lungs and heart, the stethoscope can also be used to listen to the intestines and blood in the blood vessels. The Sprague stethoscope not only has the usual binaurals, ear pieces, but has different chest piece fittings: two diaphragms for adults or children and three bell pieces. The large diaphragm is for adults and filters out low frequencies while accentuating higher ranges of sound. The small diaphragm is used in children and is used to detect high-pitch murmurs. The bells detect low to medium pitched sounds and the different size bells relates to size of the patient.

Instructions

• 1

  Examine the patient to allow the decision on the size and attachment required. Prepare the stethoscope with correct attachments.

• 2

  Place binaural in ears ensuring they are comfortable but providing an air-tight seal. Tap chest piece to ensure working. Rotate chest piece until it clicks in place and tap to ensure it is "on."

• 3

  Place bell or diaphragm on patient. Listen to patient's chest for abnormal sounds such as murmurs or crackling. Remove stethoscope and store.