Adventitious breath sounds

Question 1

What are adventitious breath sounds?

Answer 1

Extra noises that can be heard on top of the breath sounds

These sounds can indicate various respiratory issues.

Question 2

What are continuous breath sounds?

Answer 2

Sounds that can be heard across some portion of each breath

Continuous sounds are often related to airway obstruction.

Question 3

What are discontinuous breath sounds?

Answer 3

Instantaneous pops, snaps, and clicks known as crackles

These sounds are typically associated with fluid in the lungs.

Question 4

What are wheezes?

Answer 4

High-pitched whistling sounds made as air is forced through narrowed airways

Wheezing can indicate various conditions, including asthma or bronchitis.

Question 5

How can wheezing be characterized?

Answer 5

It can be diffuse or localized

The location and quality of wheezing can provide diagnostic clues.

Question 6

What does a monophonic wheeze indicate?

Answer 6

A single bronchus is vibrating

This produces a single note sound.

Question 7

What does a polyphonic wheeze indicate?

Answer 7

Many bronchi are vibrating

This produces multiple notes in the sound.

Question 8

What should be noted when assessing wheezing?

Answer 8

When the sound is heard in the respiratory cycle

Important considerations include whether it occurs during inspiration, exhalation, or at the end of exhalation.

Question 9

What are fine crackles?

Answer 9

Discontinuous noises caused by the popping open of air spaces

Often associated with conditions like pneumonia.

Question 10

What are coarse crackles?

Answer 10

Discontinuous noises caused by the movement of fluid or secretions in larger airways

These sounds indicate more significant fluid presence in the lungs.

Question 11

What does an absence of breath sounds indicate?

Answer 11

The patient is not moving enough air to ventilate the lungs

Silence in this context is a critical warning sign.

Question 12

What does snoring indicate?

Answer 12

Partial obstruction of the upper airway by the tongue

Snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea or other airway issues.

Question 13

What does gurgling signal?

Answer 13

The presence of fluid in the upper airway

This can indicate potential aspiration or other respiratory complications.

Question 14

What does stridor indicate?

Answer 14

Narrowing, usually from swelling (laryngeal edema)

Stridor is often a sign of a medical emergency.

Question 15

What does quiet tachypnea suggest?

Answer 15

Possible shock

This can indicate a serious underlying condition needing immediate attention.