Chest Auscultation Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the characteristic of crackles during inspiration?

They are high-pitched and discontinuous (correct)

They are usually heard during the beginning of inspiration

They are low-pitched and continuous

They are loud and high-pitched

What is the typical cause of crackles in its early stages?

Pneumonia (correct)

Asthma

Tuberculosis

Chronic bronchitis

What is the effect of gravity on the location of crackles in the lungs?

Gravity pulls fluid upward

Gravity has no effect on fluid distribution

Gravity draws fluid downward (correct)

Gravity pushes fluid laterally

How can crackles be classified?

As coarse or fine Signup and view all the answers

What can be done to make crackles more audible during auscultation?

Ask the patient to cough Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of crackles in relation to louder respiratory sounds?

They are sometimes overridden by louder respiratory sounds Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of a pleural friction rub sound?

Low-pitched, dry, rubbing or grating sound Signup and view all the answers

What can vocal resonance help evaluate during auscultation?

The presence of lung consolidation Signup and view all the answers

In what condition may vocal sounds become louder than usual over a distinct area?

Consolidation Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the bronchophony test?

To evaluate the presence of consolidation Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of an egophony test?

Patient is asked to say the letter 'e-e-e' Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of a pleural friction rub often indicate?

Pleurisy, viral infection, tuberculosis, or pulmonary embolism Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of a normal vocal sound during auscultation?

Sound becomes less distinct as auscultation moves peripherally Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of auscultation in evaluating respiratory disorders?

To identify adventitious breath sounds Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of wheezes in terms of pitch?

High-pitched Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of wheezes in a localized area?

Foreign body obstruction Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of rhonchi in terms of pitch?

Low-pitched Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical timing of stridor in relation to breathing?

Inspiratory Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of crackles?

Discontinuous, clicking sounds Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of stridor in terms of airway compromise?

Significant airway compromise Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical cause of rhonchi?

Passage of air through airway obstructed by thick secretions Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of wheezes in terms of loudness?

Loud during expiration Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chest Auscultation

Continuous breath sounds:
- Wheezes (sibilant wheezes): high-pitched musical noises, usually louder during expiration, caused by high-velocity air through narrowed airways, may occur due to asthma or congestive heart failure
- Classified as mild, moderate, or severe, and described as occurring on inspiration or expiration or both
Rhonchi:
- Also known as sonorous wheezes
- Continuous, low-pitched, rumbling sounds usually heard on expiration
- Caused by passage of air through airway obstructed by thick secretions, muscular spasm, new tissue growth, or external pressure
- May result from any condition that increases secretions

Stridor

Usually an inspiratory, crowing-type sound that can be heard without a stethoscope
Indicates significant narrowing or obstruction of the larynx or trachea
May be caused by epiglottitis, viral croup, anaphylaxis, or foreign body aspiration
Heard best over the site of origin, usually the larynx or trachea
Often indicates airway compromise that may be life-threatening, especially in children

Discontinuous Breath Sounds

Crackles:
- High-pitched, discontinuous sounds usually heard during end of inspiration
- Sound similar to hair being rubbed between fingers
- Caused by disruptive passage of air in small airways or alveoli or both
- Most typical causes are pulmonary edema and pneumonia in its early stages
- Classified as coarse crackles (wet, low-pitched sounds) or fine crackles (dry, high-pitched sounds)

Pleural Friction Rub

Low-pitched, dry, rubbing or grating sound
Caused by movement of inflamed pleural surfaces as they slide on one another during breathing
May be auscultated on inspiration and expiration, usually loudest over the lower lateral anterior surface of the chest wall
Presence may indicate pleurisy, viral infection, tuberculosis, or pulmonary embolism

Vocal Resonance and Bronchophony

Vocal sounds heard on auscultation should be assessed to evaluate presence of lung consolidation
Usually indicates pneumonia or pleural effusion
Any change in character of spoken voice that is higher pitched and less muffled than normal during auscultation should be noted
Bronchophony: vocal sounds will be louder where consolidation is present
Egophony: vocal sounds resemble the letter "a" more closely when consolidation is present

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Description

This quiz covers the basics of chest auscultation, including continuous breath sounds, wheezes, and their causes. Test your knowledge of respiratory medicine!