Auscultation tip: Listen in a quiet environment. Compare side-to-side symmetrically — upper, mid, and lower zones front and back. Use the diaphragm for high-pitched sounds, bell for low-pitched.
Where to Auscultate
Anterior
- • Upper: 2nd ICS, mid-clavicular
- • Mid: 4th ICS, mid-clavicular
- • Lower: 6th ICS, mid-clavicular
Posterior
- • Upper: Above scapula
- • Mid: Between scapulae
- • Lower: Below scapulae (T9–T10)
Always compare left vs right. Asymmetry = pathology until proven otherwise.