Medical Equipment Basics Every Student Should Know

It is no secret that if one wants to be a doctor, they should have some basic hospital equipment at home in order to learn how to use it in practice. At some universities, students get a list of tools they should have, but some colleges and universities do not give the list, but they state that every student can choose what to buy.

Of course, medical equipment knowledge for students can be overwhelming since they have no experience, but in this article, we will try to answer all your questions and help you understand what equipment you may really need by your side for any vital purpose. 

Medical student life: Does it differ from other directions?

Many young adults can’t understand how med students differ from others. Well, being a medical student is a real challenge because you will have to struggle with writing an essay for admission to medical university, like others, complete various writings, like essay writing, research papers, etc., but you will also have to pass a practical stage of your academic career. Of course, today, students can delegate some writing tasks to a medical essay writing service, but still, they have to be ready to survive pretty hard times during practical experiences.

Medical equipment basics

During classes, medical students learn so much information about different medical equipment because they have to know what tools can come in handy in this or that situation. Some tools can be named basic because they are used pretty frequently by experts in different fields, but some are quite specific and rarely faced during your visits to therapeutist. 

Well, in this section, we will take a look at some basic tools that you, as a med student, may need to have during the academic journey.

Medical diagnostic tools for beginners

First, let’s take a look at some fundamental equipment that every medical professional has by their side for any purpose.

• Stethoscope. It listens to heart, lung, and bowel sounds

• Sphygmomanometer. It is used to measure blood pressure

• Thermometer. Guess everyone knows the main purpose; it measures body temperature

• Pulse oximeter. This tool is very effective when you need to measure blood oxygen levels and pulse.

• Reflex hammer. Do you remember these visits to the neurologist? Yeah, this is just the tool that tests nerve reflexes.

• Penlight. This tool examines eyes, throat, and pupils; you might see it in films a hundred times.

  
  

Now, let’s take a look at some tools that can help you check the ears, nose, and throat.

• Otoscope. Examines the ear canal and eardrum.

• Ophthalmoscope. The tool to examine the retina and inner eye.

• Tongue depressor. This tool helps view the throat better.

  
  

Well, here are some basic laboratory diagnostic tools that can come in handy.

• Glucometer. Measures blood glucose.

• Urine test strips. Detect infections, glucose, and protein.

• Pregnancy test. Detect hCG hormone.

• Other rapid test kits (COVID-19, malaria, flu, etc.)

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Here are some basic imaging and monitoring tools as well. Even though they are not usually bought by students, this is the basis.

• ECG machine. Records the heart's electrical activity.

• X-ray. It visualizes bones and lungs.

• Ultrasound. Uses sound waves to view organs.

  
  

Grab these neurological and vision screening tools:

• Snellen chart. Do you remember this board at the ophthalmologist? It tests visual acuity

• Tuning fork. This tool is to test hearing and vibration sense

And finally, here are some basic diagnostic tools you may need as a med student:

• Digital BP monitors

• Smart thermometers

• Health monitoring apps (heart rate, sleep tracking)

  
  

Did you know that several types of thermometers in healthcare exist?

This fact often surprises beginners, who are sure that all thermometers work the same way.

Actually, each type is for a specific purpose, accuracy level, and patient group. Let’s take a look at some types of thermometers that you may find today and see what they are for, how they work, and what issues you should be aware of when using them.

Digital thermometers

These use electronic sensors to measure body temperature, which can be used orally, axillary (underarm), or rectally. Many users choose digital thermometers because they are affordable, easy to clean, and fairly accurate. Mind that readings may vary depending on placement.

Non-contact thermometers

They measure heat emitted from the skin, usually the forehead. They are fast and offer contactless readings, but their accuracy can be affected by sweat, room temperature, or incorrect distance from the skin, and as a result, you may get incorrect numbers.

Ear thermometers

These thermometers measure heat from the eardrum. Tympanic thermometers are quick and comfortable, especially for kids, helping parents get results quickly and even when a child is asleep. Well, as for the accuracy, it can depend on correct positioning and be affected by earwax or improper placement.

Temporal artery thermometers

They scan the forehead over the temporal artery; these thermometers are non-invasive and fast. They are more accurate than basic infrared devices but still sensitive to movement and sweat.

Rectal thermometers

Experts say that rectal thermometers provide the most accurate readings. They are commonly used for infants, critically ill patients, or when a med expert needs to get a precise measurement. Of course, these are less comfortable for patients.

Glass mercury thermometers

These are pretty old thermometers, which use mercury expansion to measure temperature. Even though these are very accurate, they are no longer common due to the risk of breakage.

Basic medical equipment for students

Well, we have discussed some common tools that any doctor can use in their practice, but what medical equipment for beginners is essential when you are a med college student? There are just a few tools that can help you in different situations, and these are a stethoscope and a blood pressure monitor. Even if you call the hospital emergency, you can see that these tools are always in the basic kit doctors have. So, why do you need them, and why are they so multifunctional? Let’s see!

Stethoscope uses for students

A stethoscope is a common medical listening tool that helps med assistants hear most internal body sounds, like the heart, lungs, blood flow, etc. It gives basic health awareness and an opportunity to early recognize unusual sounds before medical help is needed.

• Checking heart rate

Why is it important for med students, though? Using a stethoscope, students can listen to heartbeats at rest, during stress, or after exercise. This way, they can understand normal heart rhythm, notice fast or irregular beats, and understand when medical advice may be needed.

• Monitoring breathing during illnesses

With the help of a stethoscope, you can hear breathing sounds in the chest. Wheezing, crackling, or very weak sounds during various illnesses may signal that a patient should consult a doctor. During flu, fever, or chest infections, listening to lung sounds can also help track recovery.

• Learning medical basics

Practicing with a stethoscope, students learn how the body works by recognizing normal heart and lung sounds. This can build confidence as well as improve health awareness.

• Supporting elderly parents

Many students are caring for elderly parents, and a stethoscope can help them notice unusual heart or lung sounds early. This allows students to react faster and share useful information with doctors.

• First aid situations

No one can ever know when they may get into a first aid scenario. In this case, if you know how to use a stethoscope, you can understand whether someone is breathing normally and if the heart is beating regularly. This information can be essential and vital to guide decisions while waiting for emergency services.

Blood pressure monitor basics

This is a simple medical device used to measure how strongly blood pushes against artery walls. It helps track cardiovascular health as well as notice unusual changes early, by monitoring an important vital sign at home.

• Understanding personal health

Regular blood pressure checks can help you learn what your personal normal readings look like. This way, you can also understand how stress, lack of sleep, caffeine, or exercise can temporarily raise or lower your blood pressure. For example, during exam periods, blood pressure monitoring can show how anxiety affects your body. Thus, comparing readings before and after rest can help you understand which habits help control your stress.

• Monitoring medication effects

When a person takes some pills or other types of medications, the most common issue they may face is one that affects the heart system. Thus, a blood pressure monitor can come in handy to help you check whether the prescribed medications are working properly. You can easily notice if readings improve, stay too high, or drop too low, and understand if additional medical review is needed.

• Preventing emergencies

Sudden spikes or drops in blood pressure can lead to serious complications. Home monitoring allows early detection, so that you can act quickly.

Medical equipment list for students’ personal purposes

Well, we are all humans, and some medical equipment can become very important in many situations. Thus, we have listed the most popular and common tools for personal use that med students should have at their disposal in everyday life. Moreover, it can be a great benefit to have these tools and learn how to work with them, even if you are not a med expert. So, what are these essentials today?

Digital thermometer

As we have already discussed, this tool can help you check body temperature when you feel unwell, notice fever symptoms, or monitor recovery. It will give you quick, clear readings so you can decide whether rest, medication, or medical advice is needed.

Pulse oximeter

Recently, we have been struggling with a disease like COVID-19, and this tool has become a common device in homes. It can quickly measure oxygen level and pulse through your fingertip, helping you notice different issues at home anytime.

Glucometer

For people who suffer from diabetes, this tool can help them check blood sugar levels at home as well as make decisions pretty fast. Moreover, this tool is a great option for monitoring diet effects or understanding how stress affects your energy levels.

Peak flow meter

If a person suffers from asthma, they can use this tool to measure how well air moves out of their lungs in order to notice early changes.

First aid kit

This is an essential supply for small injuries, cuts, or burns, so that you can quickly stop bleeding and handle minor accidents confidently before professional medical help.

Tweezers

This can even be a nonmedical option, but it will still be useful for removing splinters, ticks, or small debris from skin in order to prevent infection.

Measuring syringe

This tool can help you measure accurate liquid medication doses, especially if you have children or sensitive medicines. While underdosing can be an issue, overdosing is often a real problem that can be too severe. Thus, it is important to be sure you or your relative takes just the right dose.

Rapid test kits

These can include quick at-home tests for pregnancy or different infections, helping you make timely and proper decisions.

Medical tools every student should know if they have elderly parents

Many young adults live with their parents, and at times, they may need some tools to take care of themselves properly. Oftentimes, if you are a med student, relatives may ask you to help them keep everything under control. In this section, we will provide healthcare equipment explained that can come in handy if you have elderly parents you care about. 

Hospital equipment names and uses

Here are some medical instruments and their functions that you use when caring for elderly people at home. Well, we won’t mention devices like a digital blood pressure monitor, a pulse oximeter, a digital thermometer, a glucometer, and all the other tools we mentioned in the previous section because now you know how they can help, but we will highlight some other devices that can help when you are caring for adult people.

• Nebulizer machine. This device is essential if your elder parent has problems with the respiratory tract. This tool delivers medication directly to the lungs, helping with asthma, COPD, or chronic bronchitis breathe during flare-ups at home.

  
  

• ECG. With the help of this tool, you can record a person’s heart rhythm and detect irregularities to identify heart issues early and provide useful data for doctors without frequent hospital visits.

  
  

• Oxygen concentrator. This device will offer oxygen therapy at home; it helps maintain safe oxygen levels and reduces hospital dependency.

  
  

• Urinal bottle. This is a great support for mobility-limited people; make bathroom access safer and more comfortable at home.

  
  

• Walking aids. These can help people improve balance and stability, especially elderly parents. With these supporters, adults can move safely around the house; this is a great option to lower the risk of falls.

  
  

• Medical alert button. Well, this is an essential tool when you have elderly parents with some illnesses, and you know that they may need help anytime. Such a button will help your relative call for help instantly in emergencies. So, this too is your way to get peace of mind when they are home alone or living independently.

  
  

• Pill organizer with alarm. Finally, if you are done controlling your parents concerning their medications, this tool will definitely come in handy. It reminds a person when to take medications correctly, so there is no need to worry about missed doses or double-dosing, which is, unfortunately, a common risk among older adults.

  
  

Bottom Line

Being a med student is not that easy because you have to handle a lot of issues as well as take responsibility for decisions. Thus, having some equipment can come in handy. We have discussed some of the most popular and common tools that can make your experience more comfortable, and we hope you have found some tools for your own purposes and needs.

About the author

Nayeli Ellen knows pretty well how to blend content strategy, academic writing, and edtech expertise with a background connected to the medical field. She drives data-informed and creative texts that speak to different audiences in an understandable language.