Abstract: A protective-sleeve-cartridge/stethoscope assembly includes a stethoscope and a cartridge mounted to the stethoscope, with the cartridge including a sleeve. In a cartridge-and-sleeve assembly, the assembly includes a cartridge having a first elongated circumferential sidewall, with the first elongated circumferential sidewall defining an interior space. The assembly further includes a sleeve, at least a part of which is stored in the interior space. In this assembly, the cartridge and sleeve are constructed and arranged whereby the cartridge may be mounted to a stethoscope, and at least a part of the sleeve may be dispensed from the cartridge interior space and over a head of the stethoscope. A cartridge for mounting to a stethoscope includes a first elongated circumferential sidewall and a second elongated circumferential sidewall inwardly spaced from the first sidewall.