Which term means an abnormal breath sound heard on auscultation of an obstructed airway?

Which term means an abnormal breath sound heard on auscultation of an obstructed airway?

• A. Rhoncus
• B. Pertusis
• C. Stridor
• D. Sputum

Answer: (A)

Abnormal breath sounds caused by partial blockage in the airways are described by their quality and origin. Rhonchi are low-pitched, coarse, rattling sounds that occur when air moves past secretions or obstructions in the larger airways. They are often described as snoring or gurgling and may improve with coughing as secretions clear. This makes them a classic sign of an obstructed airway heard on auscultation. Stridor, by contrast, is a high-pitched, often loud sound created by narrowing of the upper airway and is typically most noticeable without a stethoscope. Sputum refers to the mucus itself, not a sound, and pertussis is a disease (whooping cough), not a breath sound.

Abnormal breath sounds caused by partial blockage in the airways are described by their quality and origin. Rhonchi are low-pitched, coarse, rattling sounds that occur when air moves past secretions or obstructions in the larger airways. They are often described as snoring or gurgling and may improve with coughing as secretions clear. This makes them a classic sign of an obstructed airway heard on auscultation.

Stridor, by contrast, is a high-pitched, often loud sound created by narrowing of the upper airway and is typically most noticeable without a stethoscope. Sputum refers to the mucus itself, not a sound, and pertussis is a disease (whooping cough), not a breath sound.