Nurses use a variety of instruments in their job.
Nursing is a well-known and respected profession. Nurses are an integral part of any health care community and perform a wide variety of jobs and tasks. They assist doctors, perform routine exams, and help out in the emergency room. In order to do their jobs efficiently, nurses employ a variety of instruments used to treat patients.
Blood Pressure Monitor
One of the first diagnostic tests a nurse will perform is to take a patient's blood pressure reading. High blood pressure can indicate a variety of problems. Conversely, a normal blood pressure reading can help point a diagnosis away from certain conditions. A nurse attaches a cuff to the patient's arm, and then tightens it with a hand pump. The instrument then indicates the patient's blood pressure.
Stethoscope
Nurses use a stethoscope to listen to the internal organs and processes of the human body. Typically, a stethoscope has a chest piece that is sensitive to send, and then transfers the sound through hollow rubber tubes to the nurse's ears. A nurse can hear abnormal heart rhythms, lung wheezing, or arterial leaking.
Hemostat
For nurses who ply their trade in surgery rooms or the emergency room, an essential instrument is the hemostat. The hemostat, also called a hemostatic clamp, is used to stop bleeding, usually from an artery. This keeps blood away from the area the surgeon is attending. During complex surgeries, a nurse may have to utilize multiple hemostats.
