Auscultation Flashcards
(11 cards)
What causes decreased breath sounds and what are some examples?
reduced flow causes less sound
atelectasis, emphysema, asthma, obesity, pneumothorax, pleural effusion
what are bronchial breath sounds and what are some examples?
loud and harsh sounding
expiration is as loud as inspiration
pause between expiration and inspiration
sounds like deep sea diver breathing through regulator
consolidation (pneumonia), interstitial pulmonary fibrosis
what are crackles and what are some examples?
popping sound
generated when air is forced through airways which have been narrowed by oedema, inflammation or secretions
mainly on inspiration
atelectasis, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary oedema
whats the difference between early and late crackles?
early - large proximal airways
late - small peripheral airways
whats the difference between fine and coarse crackles?
fine - fluid/alveoli snapping open
coarse - sputum
what is a wheeze?
whistling sound produced by airflow vibrating a narrowed or compressed airway as it rushes through
usually first heard on expiration, if heard on inspiration, more severe narrowing
what is a monophonic wheeze?
a single sound created by a single obstructed airway e.g. sputum plug
what is a polyphonic wheeze?
multipple sounds due to widespread airway obstructor e.g. asthma
what are some examples of what can cause a wheeze?
bronchospasm, mucosal oedema, sputum, foreign body / tumour, pulmonary oedema
what is stridor (choking)?
loud inspiratory wheeze heard at the mouth
a serious sign indicating upper airway obstruction
more common in paediatrics because their airways are smaller
what is a pleural rb?
creaking or rubbing sound e.g. creaking door/boots crunching snow
caused by the roughened surfaces of the pleura rubbing together
caused by the inflammation of the pleural space
