Pediatricians use several tools in a standard checkup. Doctors need to check your child's lungs and heart for any sings of underlying medical conditions. They also check their weight and height. The most common tools are a stethoscope, thermometer and tongue depressor.

Significance

Using the right tools is vital, because without them your pediatrician would not be able to identify some problems. A stethoscope is used to listen to your child's heart and lungs. The tongue depressor holds down your child's tongue so that the doctor can check for mouth sores or a swollen throat. He will also use a light scope to look in your child's ears for any signs of an ear infection.

Types

There are also several variations of pediatric tools. Some doctors use an acoustic stethoscope while others use an electronic one. Acoustic stethoscopes are old-fashioned but still used today. They use narrow tubes to draw sound to the ear piece. Electronic stethoscopes amplify body sounds with sound waves. Doctors may also have various sizes of equipment for children of different ages. Pediatricians will have two types of scales: a standard step scale and a scale that you can lay a baby down on. The baby scale is flat and usually sits on a counter.

Time Frame

The tools in a pediatric office usually require a minimal amount of time to use, depending on the cooperation of the child. Tools like scales and stethoscopes give the doctor an instant reading. Tools usually last for a few years, depending on how active the practice is.

Size

Many tools found in a pediatrician's office fit in the palm of your hand. The stethoscope is larger, but small tools like the tape measure, thermometer and light scope are very small.

Warning

Never allow your child to play with your pediatrician's tools. These tools are expensive and they can be easily broken.

Source:

Ask Dr. Sears

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