Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

A nurse in an emergency department is auscultating the lungs of an adolescent who is experiencing dyspnea. What sound should the nurse identify?

1. Wheezes

2. Crackles

3. Pleural friction rub

4. Rhonchi

The correct answer is: Wheezes

When assessing an adolescent experiencing dyspnea, the identification of wheezes is significant. Wheezes are high-pitched, musical sounds that occur when air flows through narrowed airways, which can be a result of inflammation, bronchoconstriction, or obstruction. In adolescents, conditions such as asthma or allergic reactions can provoke wheezing, making it crucial for healthcare providers to recognize these sounds during auscultation. This is particularly important in emergency settings where prompt recognition can guide effective treatment, like bronchodilator therapy. Other lung sounds, such as crackles, pleural friction rub, and rhonchi, indicate different underlying issues. Crackles often represent fluid in the lungs, such as in pneumonia, while pleural friction rub signals inflammation of the pleura. Rhonchi, on the other hand, suggest airway obstruction by secretions. Therefore, the presence of wheezes is specifically associated with conditions that lead to bronchospasm or narrowing of the airways, making it the correct choice in this scenario.