When you place it below the 6th intercostal space, you will hear the intestinal sounds. With this knowledge, you will not even think of placing the stethoscope on the sternum, since all you will hear is the heartbeat. The above parameters do not change during inhalation. The diaphragm curves to allow the lungs to expand. The diaphragm lies below the thoracic cavity.The anterior (front) viewpoint the lungs are located from the top of the rib cage, directly above the collarbone (clavicle) to the 6th intercostal space.The lobes of both lungs two on the left and three on the right.When learning about where to listen to lung sounds with stethoscope, you must be conversant with some fundamentals of anatomy. The Anatomy of the Thorax and Respiratory System The medical field is an art centered on sciences, and therefore, the final decision lays with you the practitioner.

If you place the stethoscope on a bone, you will not hear anything. You will therefore be ready to detect the breathing patterns of your patient. When the instrument is placed in the right position, it will filter out any unwanted noise from other body processes such as gastrointestinal activities. It is also vital to observe whether the trachea is deviated or mid-lined. Some abnormal spinal curvatures may result to breathing difficulties. Inspect the posterior thorax and scrutinize presence of any bone deformity.

Next, examine the patient’s thorax and note whether there are symmetry and configuration. Start above the collar bone and palpate from side to side moving towards the costal angle alongside the mid-axillary line. The best part is that you will not have to worry on where to listen to lung sounds anymore since this post will educate you on the ultimate way to listen to lung sounds. This includes the skills of placing the stethoscope in the right position. One of the most vital and difficult skills every MD should learn and master is the analysis of lung sounds. Most medical schools are taught different methods based on the experience of the tutor.

Many physicians find listening to lung sounds quite challenging especially in obese people where the sounds are not very clear. One of the questions frequently asked by most medical practitioners is where to listen to lung sounds.

Where to listen to lung sounds