NBCSN Nationally Certified School Nurse Practice Exam

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What are the physical examination findings associated with wheezing?

  1. Presence of ronchi and crackles

  2. Absence of breath sounds

  3. Uniform breathing sounds

  4. Harsh breath sounds and stridor

The correct answer is: Presence of ronchi and crackles

Wheezing is a high-pitched sound that occurs during breathing, often noticed on expiration, indicating a narrowing of the airways, which can be due to various causes such as asthma, allergies, or respiratory infections. When considering the physical examination findings associated with wheezing, the presence of rhonchi and crackles can often accompany wheezing in patients with respiratory distress. Rhonchi are coarse, rattling sounds typically associated with obstruction or secretions in larger airways, while crackles (or rales) are fine sounds usually indicative of fluid in the small airways or alveoli. The coexistence of these sounds with wheezing suggests the presence of additional airway issues, such as inflammation or congestion, showing the multifaceted nature of respiratory conditions that can manifest during a physical examination. Other choices present particular findings that may not directly correlate with wheezing. For instance, the absence of breath sounds can indicate severe respiratory compromise or lack of airflow, which is not the hallmark of wheezing itself. Uniform breathing sounds suggest normal lung function without obstruction, which contradicts the presence of wheezing. Lastly, harsh breath sounds and stridor typically indicate upper airway obstruction and are associated more with irritation in larger airways rather than the specific lower airway