What is a stethoscope used to examine?

stethoscope, medical instrument used in listening to sounds produced within the body, chiefly in the heart or lungs. It was invented by the French physician R.T.H. Laënnec, who in 1819 described the use of a perforated wooden cylinder to transmit sounds from the patient’s chest (Greek: stēthos) to the physician’s ear.

Which body parts can be checked with stethoscope?

What is a stethoscope? The stethoscope is a device that helps physicians or healthcare providers listen to the internal organs, such as lungs, heart and bowel sounds, and it is also used to check blood pressure.

Which part of stethoscope hears heart sounds?

diaphragm
The diaphragm is best for higher pitched sounds, like breath sounds and normal heart sounds. The bell is best for detecting lower pitch sounds, like some heart murmurs, and some bowel sounds.

What part of the stethoscope is used to Auscultate lung sounds?

The diaphragm of the stethoscope should be used to auscultate breath sounds in the following systematic fashion. The assessor should try to visualise the underlying lobes of the lungs as the assessment takes place.

When should a physical be performed?

If you’re generally healthy, you may only need occasional preventive screenings based on your age. General adult physical schedule: For ages 19-21, once every 2-3 years. For ages 22-64, once ever 1-3 years.

Why do doctors use stethoscope on stomach?

A health care provider can check abdominal sounds by listening to the abdomen with a stethoscope (auscultation). Most bowel sounds are harmless. However, there are some cases in which abnormal sounds can indicate a problem. Ileus is a condition in which there is a lack of intestinal activity.

Where do you listen for a heart murmur?

Mitral murmurs are best heard at the apex and radiate to the axilla. Mitral sounds can be accentuated with the patient in the left lateral position. Hence, to listen to a mitral murmur, first listen to the apex, then listen round to the mid-axillary line at the same level.

What are the parts of a physical exam?

In general the physical examination is divided into 4 parts; cranial nerve assessment, motor function assessment, sensory function assessment, and assessment of reflexes.