The Best Stethoscope that Every Nurse Needs
The Best Stethoscope that Every Nurse Needs
In the vast ocean of medical equipment, you’ll find the best stethoscope that every nurse needs. As a nurse, there are several pieces of equipment that you need to have at work. The major one that you need is a stethoscope so we have different types of stethoscopes and factors to be considered when purchasing a stethoscope. Besides, there are major anatomies of a stethoscope. These are the common differences in a stethoscope.
Stethoscope Anatomy Types
1.Dual-head -A dual head stethoscope has two listening parts i.e the diaphragm for listening to high-pitched sounds and the bell to hear lower-pitched sounds.
2.Single head /acoustic– these stethoscopes allow diagnostic procedures of high and low pitched sounds based on the amount of pressure applied to the head. Low-pitched sounds can be heard with the stethoscope diaphragm and are easily converted to high-pitched sounds when pressure is applied to the stethoscope head.
3.Digital /electronic-these stethoscopes allow the atmosphere noise filtration and heart and lung sound recordings. These stethoscopes are quite expensive and are not superior to dual or single head stethoscopes.
Types of Stethoscopes.
a)3M Littmann 6152 Cardiology IV Diagnostic Stethoscope. Its features are:
Adjustable diaphragm has 9 different colors, has no natural rubber latex material, has a double-sided chest piece, tubes retain their shape after folding, Snap-tight and soft-sealing ear tips.
The patient feels comfortable with a non-chill rim. This stethoscope has a 7 years warranty.
- b) MDF Acoustica Deluxe Lightweight Dual Head Stethoscope. Its features are a lifetime warranty, light in weight, 3 pairs of comfort seal ear tips, dual-headed aluminium chest piece, and efficient sound performance.
c)3M Littmann Classic III Monitoring Stethoscope 27 inch 5803. Its features are: effective for both pediatric and adult patients, the headset is easily adjustable, can be used in all critical and non-critical environments, has no rubber latex material, has a 27 inches long tubing, the diaphragm is easy to clean, variety of colors, can monitor the heartbeat and detect all the normal or abnormal sounds.
d)3M Littmann Lightweight II S.E. Stethoscope 2450. This stethoscope is soft, flexible, and quite smooth. It’s nice on the skin around your neck and doesn’t get sticky like other stethoscopes can be at times.
- e) ADC – 618SF Adscope Animals 618 Pediatric Clinician Stethoscope. Its features are: AFD technology, chest piece made of Resin material, has additional soft dual-ear tips, has 7 animal face snap-on, has a storage pouch, is 30 inches long, and has a lifetime warranty.
f)White Coat Dual Head Stethoscope. Its features are: it is a dual head, has improved acoustic performance, has a durable quality, has a storage pouch, a LED pen, and a lifetime warranty.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Stethoscope.
1.Tubing- A large-sized stethoscope tube is good in monitoring adults whereas a small size is used to monitor children.
2.Diaphragm-AFD technology makes the diaphragm adjustable. That means that if pressure is applied to it, the sound is heard clearly and if no pressure the sound is usually low.
3.Chestpiece type-Non chill rim containing chest pieces are the best because they will not affect the sensitivity of your skin.
4.Material used- ensure the stethoscope you are about to buy is not made of natural rubber or latex because most people are allergic to it.
5.Warranty card- Nursing requires full-time attention hence tools the students use should have at least 5 years of warranty.
6.Eartips- Silicone ear tips are the best since they seal the unnecessary sounds from disturbing the process of the diagnostic procedure.
