1. Stethoscope
- Purpose: Used to listen to internal body sounds (heart, lungs, and intestines).
- Components:
- Chest piece (contains a diaphragm and bell)
- Tubing
- Ear tips
- How it works:
- The diaphragm captures high-pitched sounds (like heartbeats).
- The bell captures low-pitched sounds (like murmurs).
2. Sphygmomanometer (Blood Pressure Monitor)
- Purpose: Measures blood pressure.
- Types:
- Manual (uses a mercury or aneroid gauge)
- Digital (automatic reading)
- How it works:
- Cuff is wrapped around the arm and inflated.
- Pressure is released slowly while listening for Korotkoff sounds with a stethoscope.
3. Thermometer
- Purpose: Measures body temperature.
- Types:
- Mercury thermometer
- Digital thermometer
- Infrared (non-contact) thermometer
- Normal range:
- Oral: 36.1°C – 37.2°C (97°F – 99°F)
- Rectal: 36.6°C – 37.8°C (97.9°F – 100°F)
4. Otoscope
- Purpose: Examines the ear canal and eardrum.
- Components:
- Light source
- Magnifying lens
- Disposable speculum
- How it works:
- Inserted gently into the ear canal.
- Light and magnification allow for inspection of the eardrum and ear canal.
5. Ophthalmoscope
- Purpose: Examines the interior of the eye, including the retina and optic nerve.
- How it works:
- A light beam is directed into the eye.
- The examiner looks through the ophthalmoscope to check for signs of eye disease.
6. Reflex Hammer
- Purpose: Tests deep tendon reflexes.
- How it works:
- The hammer is tapped on specific tendons (e.g., knee).
- The reflex response helps evaluate the nervous system function.
7. Tongue Depressor
- Purpose: Holds down the tongue to examine the throat and oral cavity.
- Material: Wood or plastic
- How it works:
- Placed on the tongue while the patient says "Ah."
- Helps visualize the throat, tonsils, and oral structures.
8. Surgical Scissors
- Purpose: Used to cut tissue, sutures, or bandages.
- Types:
- Mayo scissors (for cutting tissue)
- Metzenbaum scissors (for delicate dissection)
- Bandage scissors (for cutting bandages)
9. Forceps
- Purpose: Used to grasp or hold tissue during surgery or examination.
- Types:
- Dressing forceps (for holding gauze)
- Tissue forceps (for holding tissue)
- Hemostatic forceps (to stop bleeding)
10. Syringe and Needle
- Purpose: Used to inject medications or withdraw fluids.
- Parts:
- Barrel
- Plunger
- Needle
- Types:
- Hypodermic syringe (for subcutaneous injections)
- Insulin syringe (for insulin injections)
11. Scalpel
- Purpose: Used for making surgical incisions.
- Types:
- Disposable
- Reusable (with replaceable blades)
- How it works:
- The sharp blade allows precise cutting of skin and tissue.
12. Defibrillator
- Purpose: Restores normal heart rhythm during cardiac arrest.
- Types:
- Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
- Manual Defibrillator
- How it works:
- Delivers an electric shock to the heart.
- Helps restore the heart's normal electrical activity.
13. Pulse Oximeter
- Purpose: Measures oxygen saturation in the blood.
- How it works:
- Placed on the fingertip or earlobe.
- Uses light to measure oxygen levels in the blood.
14. Glucometer
- Purpose: Measures blood glucose levels.
- How it works:
- A small drop of blood is placed on a test strip.
- The meter reads glucose levels and displays the result.
15. Suction Device
- Purpose: Removes secretions, blood, or fluids from the airway.
- How it works:
- A tube is inserted into the mouth or nose.
- A vacuum creates suction to clear the airway.
✅ Summary
Medical instruments are essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Understanding how these tools work helps healthcare professionals provide better care and improve patient outcomes.