Paramedic National Registry Practice

What type of lung sounds indicate the most serious condition?

1. Crackles

2. Whispered pectoriloquy

3. Audible wheezing from across the room

4. Stridor

The correct answer is: Audible wheezing from across the room

Audible wheezing that can be heard from across the room indicates a severe respiratory issue and is associated with airway obstruction or bronchospasm, particularly in conditions like asthma or severe allergic reactions. This level of wheezing suggests significant airway narrowing, which can lead to inadequate ventilation and oxygenation. It signifies that there is a considerable degree of difficulty during breathing, which can be life-threatening. In contrast, crackles typically suggest fluid in the lungs or inflammation, such as in pneumonia or heart failure, while whispered pectoriloquy involves the transmission of sound through consolidated lung tissue and may suggest pneumonia but does not necessarily indicate immediate danger. Stridor, while also a concerning sound representing upper airway obstruction, may not always be as critical as audible wheezing, depending on the context and accompanying symptoms. Therefore, audible wheezing from across the room is a clear indicator of a very serious condition requiring immediate medical intervention.