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A Basic Guide to Chest Auscultation

CPDTime.
11m of CPD
Chest auscultation is a fundamental component of physical examination that can assist in the diagnosis of respiratory issues. It is a non-invasive, safe procedure dating back to the era of Hippocrates (who used his ear rather than a stethoscope), making it one of the oldest diagnostic techniques.

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  • CPDTime.
    11m of CPD
  • Article
  • 1 Video
  • 3 Assessment Questions
  • References
  • External Resources

What is this article about?

Chest auscultation is a straightforward but highly useful diagnostic technique that dates back to over 2,000 years ago. It involves using a stethoscope to listen to a patient’s respiratory system and interpreting the lung sounds heard.

Contents

Test Your Knowledge

  • 3 Assessment Questions

Further Learning

  • Additional Resources
  • References

Document and reflect on your learning

  • CPDTime.
    11m of CPD

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Ausmed
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Ausmed’s editorial team is committed to providing high-quality, well-researched and reputable education to our users, free of any commercial bias or conflict of interest. All education produced by Ausmed is developed in consultation with healthcare professionals and undergoes a rigorous review process to ensure the relevancy of all healthcare information and updates to changes in practice. If you have identified an issue with the education offered by Ausmed or wish to submit feedback to Ausmed's editorial team, please email ausmed@ausmed.com.au with your concerns.
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What do others think?

959 reviews by Ausmed Learners
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EP
Elle Putland
23 Apr 2021
This was easy to follow and understand
SH
Sara-Jane Hird
13 Nov 2021
Quite informative for a short course, particularly helpful providing samples of lung sounds as well as descriptions for reference.
MG
Michelle Gibson
03 Jun 2020
KW
Kim Waterhouse
31 May 2023
Registered Nurse
Good. I wish the recordings were clearer though.
JM
Jerzy Muchnicki
28 Sep 2023
Other Profession
nicely presented with great utility in everyday care
PF
Patricia Farrell
03 Jun 2020
Excellent would recommend for registered staff to read.
GP
Gareth Peck
31 May 2023
Registered Nurse
Excellent resource.
AB
Andrea Brooks
23 Aug 2020
Good refresher
AG
Annalene Gray
02 Jun 2020
This was an excellent resource which covered everything I needed especially the audio to reinforce knowledge of correct sounds and naming respiratory adventitious sounds.
HB
Hayley Brown
30 May 2023
Informative
4.6 / 5
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