Common respiratory signs

Question 1

Pneumothorax: describe how expansion, air entry, percussion, auscultation and vocal resonance will be affected

Answer 1

Expansion: reduced on the affected side
Air entry: reduced on the affected side
Percussion: hyper-resonant
Auscultation: reduced air entry
Vocal resonance: reduced

Question 2

COPD: describe how expansion, air entry, percussion, auscultation and vocal resonance will be affected

Answer 2

Expansion: reduced on both sides
Air entry: reduced bilaterally
Percussion: normal or hyper-resonant if emphysematous
Auscultation: Expiratory (+/- polyphonic) wheeze
Vocal resonance: Reduced

Question 3

Pulmonary fibrosis: describe how expansion, air entry, percussion, auscultation and vocal resonance will be affected

Answer 3

Expansion: reduced on both sides
Air entry: reduced bilaterally
Percussion: resonant
Auscultation: fine, inspiratory crackles, mid-late. Don't clear on coughing
Vocal resonance: no change