title: The art of auscultation: evaluating a patient's respiratory pathology.
abstract: This article considers national policy drivers promoting the development of advanced assessment skills and practical procedures for the safe and effective use of the stethoscope in the clinical area. The evidence base underpinning effective use of the stethoscope in clinical practice is explored, including the preparation of the patient and the environment, applying infection control policies, and placing an emphasis on privacy and dignity. This is followed by a practical guide to auscultation technique of the respiratory system for nurses developing advanced practice skills.
authors.affiliation: Department ofAcute and Continuing Care, University of Greenwich, London.
authors.forename: Terry
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ferns
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: West
mesh_terms: D001314:Auscultation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing; D002983:Clinical Competence; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D007258:Informed Consent; D008168:Lung / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D016294:Models, Nursing; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D009742:Nursing Theory; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011187:Posture; D012135:Respiratory Sounds / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D017751:Safety Management; D019023:Stethoscopes; D006113:United Kingdom