The Perfect Nursing Accessory: The Right Stethoscope

Finding the best stethoscope for your needs can be a daunting task. There are many aspects to consider and numerous options to choose from. It is, however, an essential part of your medical kit. The right stethoscope will serve you in multiple ways for a long time. It is an essential tool for thoroughly examining your patient’s condition - heartbeat, breathing, bowel sounds. The right stethoscope will also help build the perception of you as the medical professional who can help resolve your patient’s problems. According to research, 80% of patients feel better about receiving care from personnel with at least three medical tools or accessories, and a stethoscope is among the most popular.

Types of stethoscopes:

Acoustic

Those are classic stethoscopes with a two-sided chest piece: a larger diaphragm for high-frequency sounds and a smaller bell for low-frequency sounds. Acoustic stethoscopes don't enhance sound quality a lot; their simple design remains effective for basic diagnostics.

Littmann

Lightweight and comfortable, Littmann stethoscopes are a favorite for medical practitioners. They can capture a wide range of frequencies, operating on a pressure-frequency basis: applying low pressure to the diaphragm picks up low-frequency sounds, while high pressure captures high-frequency sounds.

Electronic

These advanced statoscopes capture a wide range of frequencies with high precision. Many are Bluetooth-enabled for excellent record-keeping. Though more expensive, electronic stethoscopes are ideal for medical professionals performing delicate diagnoses daily.

Things to consider when choosing your stethoscope:

Usage Needs: Frequency & Function

Fancy stethoscopes with many functions and options can be fun, but those can get pricey. Nursing students, nurses, and doctors often have different needs for their stethoscopes. Consider what you use your stethoscope for (what kind of chest piece you need, the diaphragm, the bell, the stem, etc.), as well as your expertise levels and price range.

Sound Quality

Materials

Fit

Ease of Cleaning

Tip for picking the best stethoscope for your needs:

Try Before You Buy

The right stethoscope is an excellent investment that will serve you for a long time. While online shopping is convenient, trying the stethoscope for a comfortable fit and testing its functionality and build is crucial for finding the perfect match for your needs.

Sources:

AllHeart. "Best Stethoscopes for Nurses, Doctors, and Students." AllHeart, https://www.allheart.com/blog/best-stethoscope.html
Jiwa, Moyez, et al. “Impact of the presence of medical equipment in images on viewers' perceptions of the trustworthiness of an individual on-screen.” Journal of Medical Internet Research vol. 14,4 e100. 10 Jul. 2012, doi:10.2196/jmir.1986, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3409609/
Modglin, L. (2024). “The 6 Best Stethoscopes for Nurses of 2024.” VeryWell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/best-stethoscopes-for-nurses-4174854
Stethoscope.com. (2023). “Best Value Stethoscope: Find the Right One for Your Needs.” Stethoscope.com. https://www.stethoscope.com/blog/best-value-stethoscope-find-the-right-one-for-your-needs/
Ysais, M. (2021). “How do you choose a good stethoscope?” Ultrascopes. https://ultrascopes.com/blogs/news/how-do-you-choose-a-good-stethoscope