What does a stethoscope primarily measure?

A stethoscope is primarily used to listen to internal sounds of the body, particularly related to the heart and lungs. When healthcare professionals use a stethoscope, they can assess heartbeat rhythms, which helps in diagnosing heart conditions, and they can also listen to breath sounds, which are important for evaluating lung health and function.

By differentiating normal from abnormal sounds, clinicians can gain insights into various cardiorespiratory conditions. For example, the presence of wheezing or crackles in lung sounds can indicate respiratory issues, while irregular heartbeats might suggest cardiovascular problems.

While other options mention important health measurements, they involve different tools or methods. Blood pressure is typically measured with a sphygmomanometer, temperature is assessed using a thermometer, and oxygen saturation is gauged with a pulse oximeter.