As a nurse, you need a reliable stethoscope to perform your duties effectively. However, working in a noisy environment can make it hard to hear the sounds of your patients' hearts, lungs, and blood vessels. How can you find the best stethoscope for your needs? Here are some tips to help you choose the right one.
There are different types of stethoscopes, such as acoustic, electronic, and amplified. Acoustic stethoscopes are the most common and use a chest piece, tubing, and ear tips to transmit sound waves. Electronic stethoscopes convert sound waves into electrical signals and amplify them through a speaker or headphones. Amplified stethoscopes are a subset of electronic stethoscopes that have a higher amplification level and can filter out background noise. Depending on your preference and budget, you may opt for one of these types.
Working in a noisy clinical environment requires a stethoscope that can effectively block out or minimize ambient noise, allowing you to hear clear and accurate sounds. In these circumstances, make sure to choose a stethoscope with a high-quality diaphragm and bell as some stethoscopes have a tunable diaphragm that allows you to adjust the pressure on the chest piece for different frequencies. Another thing to consider are stethoscopes with noise-reducing materials, such as thick tubing or additional insulation, which can also help minimize external sounds and interference.
The quality of a stethoscope depends on several factors, such as the material, the design, and the features. You want a stethoscope that is durable, comfortable, and easy to use. Look for a stethoscope that has a stainless steel chest piece, a flexible and thick tubing, and soft and snug ear tips. You also want a stethoscope that has a dual-head chest piece, which allows you to switch between the diaphragm and the bell modes. The diaphragm mode is used for high-frequency sounds, such as heartbeats, while the bell mode is used for low-frequency sounds, such as murmurs.
The performance of a stethoscope is measured by its acoustic sensitivity, which is the ability to pick up and amplify sound. You want a stethoscope that has a high acoustic sensitivity, especially in a noisy environment. To test the performance of a stethoscope, you can try it on yourself or on a colleague. Listen to your own heart and breath sounds, and compare them with another stethoscope. You can also ask your colleague to speak softly or whisper while you listen with the stethoscope. You should be able to hear the sounds clearly and distinctly.
Another way to find the best stethoscope for your needs is to read the reviews of other nurses who have used them. You can find reviews online or ask your peers for recommendations. Reviews can give you an idea of the pros and cons of different stethoscopes, as well as their suitability for different settings and situations. However, keep in mind that reviews are subjective and may not reflect your own experience. Therefore, use them as a guide, not as a final decision.
Finally, once you have chosen a stethoscope, you need to adjust the fit to ensure optimal performance and comfort. You can adjust the fit by bending the ear tubes slightly inward or outward, depending on the shape of your ears. You can also adjust the tension of the ear tips by rotating them clockwise or counterclockwise. You want the ear tips to fit snugly and securely in your ear canals, without causing pain or discomfort. You also want the ear tubes to align with your ear canals, without creating gaps or angles.
Procure por modelos que ofere?am olivas macias, as quais ir?o se ajustar facilmente ao canal auditivo, e que tenham o tubo em PVC, os quais conduzem melhor o som. Marcas tradicionais oferecem estetoscópios com boa qualidade do diafragma, sendo alguns do tipo duplo sintonizável. Por fim, pode ser útil adquirir um aplificador, o qual é conectado entre o tubo e o diafragma e oferece ausculta até 40x maior, além de dispor de conex?o Bluetooth, permitindo a grava??o da ausculta, entre outras funcionalidades.