Lung Sounds

Question 1

Stridor

Answer 1

High pitch whistle heard on inspiration

• upper airway
• indicative of upper airway obstruction
• intervention: O2

Question 2

Wheezes

Answer 2

Shallow high pitch sounds heard on expiration

• lower airway
• indicative of bronchoconstriction and respiratory distress
• interventions: albuterol inhaler
• seen in patients with asthma and COPD

Question 3

Rails

Answer 3

Crackles or bubbling heard on inspiration and expiration

• lower airway
• indicative of fluid in the lungs near the alveoli
• Interventions: O2 or indicate CPAP
• Seen in patients with CHF, pulmonary edema and drownings

Question 4

Ronchi

Answer 4

Snore, muffled sound

• lower airway
• indicative of thick mucous in the lungs
• interventions: O2
• seen in patients with CF, pneumonia, and COPD