What part of the stethoscope do nurses use to auscultate the chest?
A) Press the bell firmly against the skin to hear sounds and vibrations.
B) The bell of the stethoscope is used to hear breath sounds.
C) The diaphragm of the stethoscope is used to hear heart sounds.
D) Either the bell or the diaphragm is used to auscultate the chest.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The diaphragm is used to hear breath sounds, bowel sounds, and normal heart sounds (high-pitched sounds). The bell should be pressed lightly on the skin with just enough pressure to ensure that a complete seal exists around the bell. If the bell is pressed too firmly on the skin, the concave surface is filled with skin, and the bell functions like a diaphragm and inhibits vibrations. The bell is used to hear soft, low-pitched sounds such as extra heart sounds or vascular sounds (bruit). Either the bell or the diaphragm is used to auscultate the chest. The diaphragm is used to hear breath sounds, bowel sounds, and normal heart sounds (high-pitched sounds).

What Part of the Stethoscope Do Nurses Use to Auscultate