Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

What lung sound would a nurse identify during auscultation of an adolescent with asthma?

1. Biots respiration

2. Cheyne-Stokes respiration

3. Tachypnea

4. Bradypnea

The correct answer is: Tachypnea

In the case of an adolescent with asthma, tachypnea is the expected lung sound identified during auscultation. Asthma is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and increased mucus production, which can lead to difficulty in breathing and subsequently an increased respiratory rate. Tachypnea refers to an abnormally rapid breathing rate, which often occurs during an asthma exacerbation as the body attempts to compensate for reduced airflow and to improve oxygenation. Clinically, this can be observed when monitoring an adolescent experiencing an asthma attack, where signs of respiratory distress such as increased respiratory rate, wheezing, and use of accessory muscles may be evident. The other respiratory patterns mentioned, such as Cheyne-Stokes and Biots respiration, are associated with specific conditions affecting the central nervous system and overall respiratory drive and are less likely to be seen in an adolescent with asthma. Additionally, bradypnea, which indicates an unusually slow breathing rate, is not characteristic of asthma but may indicate other respiratory issues. Thus, tachypnea aligns with the physiological response observed in asthma.