Auskultatoriskt

Auskultatoriskt is a Swedish adjective meaning related to auscultation, the medical practice of listening to internal body sounds. Auscultation is most commonly performed with a stethoscope and is a core component of the physical examination in many specialties.

The term derives from Latin auscultare, to listen, and is used in Swedish medical language to describe findings, methods, or procedures associated with auscultation. Auscultation is applied to several organ systems, with heart and lungs being the primary focus.

In clinical use, auskultatoriska observations help assess the cardiovascular system—detecting murmurs, extra heart sounds, and pericardial rubs—and the respiratory system—identifying wheezes, crackles, rhonchi, and decreased breath sounds. It is also used to evaluate abdominal bowel sounds and, less commonly, vascular flow sounds such as bruits.

Technique and interpretation: the examiner selects the appropriate stethoscope head (diaphragm for high-frequency sounds, bell for low-frequency sounds), positions the patient, and listens at standardized sites (heart valves, lung fields, abdomen). Findings are interpreted in the context of the patient’s history and other tests.

Limitations and context: auskultation is skill-dependent and subjective; noise, patient movement, and body habitus can affect the result. It complements imaging and laboratory tests rather than replacing them. Modern devices, including electronic stethoscopes, can enhance listening and enable telemedicine.