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Auscultation
Auscultation


Auscultation

Information:

Auscultation is a method used to "listen" to the sounds of the body during a physical examination. It is usually performed by listening through a stethoscope. Health care providers routinely listen to a patient's lungs, heart, and intestines to evaluate the frequency, intensity, duration, number, and quality of sounds.

Health care providers also use auscultation to listen to the heart sounds of unborn infants. This is not performed with a stethoscope, but with a Doppler technique. The Doppler technique can also be used to hear pulses in the hands and feet.

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Review Date: 3/4/2005
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. editorial.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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