Which of the following lung sounds the nurse expects to hear?

A nurse is performing a chest physical assessment on a client with asthma.

Which of the following lung sounds the nurse expects to hear?
A . Stridor
B . Crackles
C . Wheezes
D . D. Diminished

View Answer

Answer: C

Explanation:

In a chest physical assessment of a client with asthma, the nurse expects to hear wheezes. Wheezes: These are high-pitched, musical sounds heard during expiration (and sometimes inspiration) caused by narrowing or obstruction of the airways.

Stridor: This is a high-pitched sound usually heard on inspiration, typically associated with upper airway obstruction, not asthma.

Crackles: These are popping sounds heard during inspiration, often associated with conditions like pneumonia or heart failure, not typical for asthma.

Diminished Lung Sounds: This can occur in severe asthma but is less common compared to wheezes.

Reference: American Thoracic Society: Asthma Diagnosis and Monitoring National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID): Asthma Symptoms and Diagnosis