AUSCULTATION

HOW TO DO AUSCULTATION TECHNIQUE?

1-Explain the auscultation technique to the patient in a

clear manner using laymen's terms.
Example of Instructions to Patient While Auscultating

• I'm going to be listening to how the air moves in and out of

your lungs with my stethoscope.
• I will be placing the stethoscope in different locations on the
front and back of your chest and would like you to take large
breaths in and out through your mouth while I'm listening.
• If you feel light-headed, dizzy, or feel any funny sensations, let
me know and I will let you rest before I continue.
 CONT..

2- If possible, position the patient in an upright

position, and remove or drape clothing to facilitate
easy access to anterior, lateral, and posterior
auscultation points. Thorough explanation.
AUSCULTATIONS POINTS
AUSCULTATIONS POINTS
 CONT..

3-Instruct patient to take "deep" breaths in and out of

his or her mouth and allow patient to rest periodically
(after 5 to 10 breaths depending on his or her tolerance).
 CONT..

4- While holding a
stethoscope in an
appropriate manner with
its diaphragm against
skin of chest wall,
position the stethoscope
diaphragm at the
uppermost point
anteriorly.
 CONT..

Listen at this auscultation point for 1 complete respiratory

cycle while the patient is breathing in and out of his or her
mouth. Next, proceed to the contralateral side and then
downward from side to side, listening for a complete respiratory
cycle at each auscultation point. Auscultate 4 sites anteriorly, 2
sites laterally, and 10 sites posteriorly—usually in that order.
 DO NOT!

o Auscultate through clothing

o Auscultate over bony areas—ie, scapula, spine
o Auscultate too low over the kidneys
o Allow the tubing of the stethoscope to rub against the patient,
yourself, or furniture—ie, bedrails.
 DO..

o Auscultate low enough to hear over bases of lungs posteriorly

o Listen during an entire respiratory cycle at each auscultation
point
o Let the patient res t after every 5 to 10 breaths