Lung Sounds

Question 1

Bronchial

Answer 1

-Over trachea & bifurcation at angle of Louis
-High pitched, louder tubular or hollow quality
-Expiratory > inspiratory

Question 2

Bronchovesicular

Answer 2

-Closer to upper 1/3 of chest near sternal area
-Medium pitch and intensity
-Expiratory = inspiratory

Question 3

Vesicular

Answer 3

-Heard most of lungs: lung based/peripheral lung
-Low pitched, soft and airy or rustling quality
-Expiratory < inspiratory

Question 4

Crackles (Fine)

Answer 4

High pitched; Discontinuous & brief popping or crackling sound
-Location: Base of the lung
-Heard at: Inspiration/Expiration
-Associated conditions: Chronic bronchitis, congestive heart failure, pneumonia (80%)

Question 5

Crackles (Coarse)

Answer 5

Lower pitched, popping sound, “Bubbling” or moist quality
-Sounds like: Snow shovel scraping on concrete
-Throughout lungs
-Heard on inspiration/expiration
-Common in: Asthma, chronic bronchitis

Question 6

Rhonchi

Answer 6

-Continuous, lower pitched, quality (snoring/gurgling)
-Location: Loudest toward center of the chest
-Cause: copious secretions in large airways or bronchi
-COPD, Pneumonia, chronic bronchitis

Question 7

Stridor

Answer 7

-Loud, high-pitched, crow-like sound
-Loudest toward center of the chest
-Heard more during inspiration
-Narrowed or partially obstructed airway or larynx
-Croup or epiglossitis

Question 8

Wheezing

Answer 8

-Continous or whistling sound
-High pitched
-May sound like squeaking
-More pronounced on expiration
-Cause: Narrowed and obstructive airways
-Asthma, chronic bronchitis, COPD, CHF

Question 9

Pleural Friction Rub

Answer 9

-Creaking or grating sound
-Low pitched
-Lower anterior lungs & lateral chest
-Heard more during inspiration
-Pleurisy/pneumonia

Question 10

Mediastinal Crunch “Hamman’s Sign”

Answer 10

-Precordial crackles with heard beat
-Best heard in lateral position
-Mediastinal emphysema