Lung Sounds

Question 1

What are Rhonchi?

Answer 1

Rumbling, snoring sound heard toward the center of the chest on inspiration AND expiration

Caused by secretions in the bronchi

Often clear with coughing

Question 2

What does rhonchi indicate?

Answer 2

COPD, cystic fibrosis, bronchietasis, and pneumonia

Question 3

What are fine crackles (rales)?

Answer 3

High pitched popping heard during inspiration in the bases of the lungs.

Caused by the alveoli reopening and closing

Question 4

What are fine crackles (rales) associated with?

Answer 4

Chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, early heart failure, and atelectasis

Question 5

What are coarse crackles (rales)?

Answer 5

Coarse crackles are low pitched popping heard throughout the lungs on inspiration and expiration

They are lower pitched, louder, and longer in duration than fine crackles

Question 6

What are coarse crackles (rales) associated with?

Answer 6

Coarse crackles are caused by chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, pneumonia, and severe pulmonary edema

Question 7

Wheezes

Answer 7

Wheezes are caused by narrowing airways

They are heard throughout the lungs during prolonged expiration

They have a musical sound

Question 8

What causes wheezes?

Answer 8

Asthma and COPD

Question 9

Stridor

Answer 9

Stridor is a high pitched whistling heard in the upper airway.

It is heard on inspiration and expiration

It can be heard without a stethoscope

Question 10

Causes of stridor

Answer 10

Epiglottitis, croup, Post intubation inflammation, foreign body aspiration, airway edema from an allergic reaction