When auscultating the lungs of an adult client, the nurse notes that low-pitched, soft breath sounds are heard over the lower lobes. How would the nurse interpret these findings?
Normal sounds auscultated up against the sternum
Bronchovesicular sounds that are normal over that location
Bronchial sounds that are normal over that location
Normal sounds auscultated over the trachea
Vesicular breath sounds that are normal in that location
The Correct Answer is E
A. Normal sounds against the sternum would not be low-pitched or soft; they would typically be more pronounced.
B. Bronchovesicular sounds are medium-pitched and are not expected in the lower lobes; they are usually heard in the central area.
C. Bronchial sounds are high-pitched and hollow, typically heard over the trachea, not in the lower lobes.
D. Normal sounds over the trachea would not be described as low-pitched or soft.
E. Vesicular breath sounds are soft, low-pitched, and normal over peripheral lung fields, including the lower lobes, making this the correct interpretation.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Asthma typically presents with wheezing, not fine crackles.
B. Pneumothorax usually presents with decreased or absent breath sounds rather than crackles.
C. Atelectasis, which is common after surgery, can cause fine crackles at the lung bases due to collapsed alveoli reopening during inspiration.
D. Emphysema generally results in diminished breath sounds and hyper-resonance rather than crackles.
E. Bronchitis typically produces coarse crackles or rhonchi, not fine crackles.
Correct Answer is E
Explanation
A. In asthma, increased airway resistance can lead to decreased fremitus due to air trapping and poor conduction of vibrations.
B. Emphysema results in hyperinflated lungs, which typically decreases tactile fremitus because of increased air in the alveoli.
C. Pneumothorax involves air in the pleural space, leading to decreased tactile fremitus as well, since air does not conduct vibrations well.
D. Acute bronchitis can cause some changes in fremitus, but it typically does not significantly increase it.
E. Pneumonia causes consolidation of lung tissue, which increases tactile fremitus due to enhanced transmission of vibrations through solidified lung tissue.