The nurse is auscultating the lungs of a patient who had been ...

[swpotter12]

The nurse is auscultating the lungs of a patient who had been sleeping and notices short, popping, crackling sounds that stop after a few breaths. The nurse recognizes that these breath sounds are:
 
  a. Atelectatic crackles that do not have a pathologic cause.
  b. Fine crackles and may be a sign of pneumonia. c.
  Vesicular breath sounds.
  d. Fine wheezes.

Question 2

During palpation of the anterior chest wall, the nurse notices a coarse, crackling sensation over the skin surface. On the basis of these findings, the nurse suspects:
 
  a. Tactile fremitus.
  b. Crepitus.
  c. Friction rub.
  d. Adventitious sounds.

[Mochi]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
One type of adventitious sound, atelectatic crackles, does not have a pathologic cause. They are short, popping, crackling sounds that sound similar to fine crackles but do not last beyond a few breaths. When sections of alveoli are not fully aerated (as in people who are asleep or in older adults), they deflate slightly and accumulate secretions. Crackles are heard when these sections are expanded by a few deep breaths. Atelectatic crackles are heard only in the periphery, usually in dependent portions of the lungs, and disappear after the first few breaths or after a cough.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Crepitus is a coarse, crackling sensation palpable over the skin surface. It occurs in subcutaneous emphysema when air escapes from the lung and enters the subcutaneous tissue, such as after open thoracic injury or surgery.

[swpotter12]

Thank you

[Mochi]

Happy to help you