Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 81%
Simulated
A nurse is collecting data about a client's pulmonary system. While auscultating the client's lungs, the nurse hears continuous gurgling, low-pitched sounds over the trachea and bronchi. Which of the following terms should the nurse use to document this finding?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: Rhonchi. Rhonchi are continuous low-pitched gurgling sounds heard over the trachea and bronchi. These sounds are typically caused by the movement of air through narrowed airways due to secretions or inflammation. Crackles (B) are discontinuous, popping sounds typically heard during inspiration and caused by fluid in the alveoli. Wheezing (C) is a high-pitched musical sound heard on expiration and caused by narrowed airways. Friction rub (D) is a grating, rubbing sound heard during inspiration and expiration and is typically associated with inflammation of the pleura.