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A Basic Guide to Chest Auscultation

CPDTime.
4m of CPD
Chest auscultation involves using a stethoscope to listen to a patient’s respiratory system and interpreting the lungs sounds heard. It is a fundamental component of physical examination that can assist in the diagnosis of respiratory issues and identification of abnormal or adventitious noises.

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  • CPDTime.
    4m of CPD
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  • 3 Assessment Questions

What is this article about?

Chest auscultation involves using a stethoscope to listen to a patient’s respiratory system and interpreting the lungs sounds heard. 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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  • 3 Assessment Questions

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  • CPDTime.
    4m of CPD

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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 regular 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?

790 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
PF
Patricia Farrell
03 Jun 2020
Excellent would recommend for registered staff to read.
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.
LL
Lai Li
04 Nov 2021
It is good to refresh my knowledge in taking care of baby required respiratory support. And I need more practice to enhance my quality care.
BA
Beverley Austin
19 Jun 2020
Great to hear audio of several respiratory sounds. Clearly stated and easy to understand.
DD
Doria Dulay
03 Jun 2020
It is brief, concise and easy to understand and updated knowledge.
EM
emma Morrell-croker
31 May 2020
Great
4.5 / 5
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