Which auscultation finding is most associated with fluid in the alveoli?

Which auscultation finding is most associated with fluid in the alveoli?

• A. Wheezes
• B. Stridor
• C. Crackles
• D. Rhonchi

Answer: (C)

Fluid in the alveoli produces crackles on auscultation. This sound comes from the reopening of fluid-filled or collapsed small airways and alveoli as you inhale, causing a popping or crackling noise. Crackles can be fine or coarse; in pulmonary edema you often hear basilar fine crackles that may become coarser as fluid accumulates or with atelectasis. Wheezes are musical sounds from narrowed airways (usually during exhalation), stridor points to upper airway obstruction, and rhonchi are low-pitched snoring sounds from secretions in larger airways. While those can indicate other problems, the finding most specifically tied to fluid in the alveoli is crackles.

Fluid in the alveoli produces crackles on auscultation. This sound comes from the reopening of fluid-filled or collapsed small airways and alveoli as you inhale, causing a popping or crackling noise. Crackles can be fine or coarse; in pulmonary edema you often hear basilar fine crackles that may become coarser as fluid accumulates or with atelectasis.

Wheezes are musical sounds from narrowed airways (usually during exhalation), stridor points to upper airway obstruction, and rhonchi are low-pitched snoring sounds from secretions in larger airways. While those can indicate other problems, the finding most specifically tied to fluid in the alveoli is crackles.