Auscultate the thyroid gland only when inspection or palpation reveals an enlarged thyroid. Place the bell of the stethoscope over the lateral lobes of the gland and ask the client to hold his breath during auscultation so tracheal breath sounds do not obscure the assessment.

The nurse should suspect the need for thyroid auscultation after first performing inspection and palpation. If the examination reveals thyroid enlargement, the nurse proceeds with auscultation. The bell of the stethoscope is placed over each lateral lobe of the thyroid, and the client is instructed to hold his breath. This breath-holding maneuver helps obscure tracheal breath sounds that could interfere with hearing any vascular or other sounds arising from the gland.

Key points

Auscultate only if an enlarged thyroid is found during inspection or palpation.
Use the bell of the stethoscope.
Place the bell over the lateral lobes of the thyroid gland.
Ask the client to hold the breath while auscultating to obscure tracheal breath sounds.

When should the nurse auscultate the thyroid gland, and what technique is used?

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