What is a stethoscope used for?

A stethoscope is primarily used for listening to bodily sounds, which is essential in assessing a patient's health. When a healthcare professional places a stethoscope on various areas of the body, particularly the chest, it allows them to hear sounds produced by the heart, lungs, and intestines. This auditory examination can help identify abnormalities such as heart murmurs, lung crackles, or gastrointestinal issues, providing crucial information for diagnosis.

While the stethoscope is an important tool in cardiology, it does not measure heart rate directly, which is typically done using a pulse check or an electronic heart rate monitor. It also does not collect blood samples; this is done with specific instruments designed for phlebotomy. Moreover, while blood pressure can be assessed using a stethoscope in conjunction with a sphygmomanometer, the stethoscope itself is not used to monitor blood pressure directly, as it merely facilitates the listening of sounds that indicate blood flow.