Learning to Use a Stethoscope

Learning how to use a stethoscope is relatively easy, however understanding and interpreting what you hear through the instrument can be very challenging. Although you may be able to use a stethoscope correctly, knowing what to listen for to identify abnormalities and make a clinical diagnosis takes a high level of knowledge and years of practice.

Instructions

• 1

  Clean the earpieces of the stethoscope with an alcohol swab. You should disinfect the earpieces frequently if you share your stethoscope with others or do not use it often.

• 2

  Place the earpieces comfortably in your ears. The stethoscope should hang in front of you.

• 3

  Warm the chest piece briefly in your hands to knock off the chill of the metal. The chest piece is often cold and can be a shock to patients.

• 4

  Hold the chest piece firmly between your fingers and place it, largest side down, against the part of the body you wish to listen to. Stethoscopes are most commonly used to listen to the heart, lungs and gastrointestinal system.