When auscultating the lungs of an adult patient, the nurse notes ...

[Tirant22]

When auscultating the lungs of an adult patient, the nurse notes that low-pitched, soft breath sounds are heard over the posterior lower lobes, with inspiration being longer than expiration. The nurse interprets that these sounds are:
 
  a. Normally auscultated over the trachea.
  b. Bronchial breath sounds and normal in that location.
  c. Vesicular breath sounds and normal in that location.
  d. Bronchovesicular breath sounds and normal in that location.

Question 2

The nurse is reviewing the technique of palpating for tactile fremitus with a new graduate. Which statement by the graduate nurse reflects a correct understanding of tactile fremitus? Tactile fremitus:
 
  a. Is caused by moisture in the alveoli.
  b. Indicates that air is present in the subcutaneous tissues.
  c. Is caused by sounds generated from the larynx.
  d. Reflects the blood flow through the pulmonary arteries.

[kbennett34]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Vesicular breath sounds are low-pitched, soft sounds with inspiration being longer than expiration. These breath sounds are expected over the peripheral lung fields where air flows through smaller bronchioles and alveoli.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Fremitus is a palpable vibration. Sounds generated from the larynx are transmitted through patent bronchi and the lung parenchyma to the chest wall where they are felt as vibrations. Crepitus is the term for air in the subcutaneous tissues.