NREMT Paramedic Practice

What are the typical breath sounds heard over the lung fields during normal respiration?

1. Wheezing sounds

2. Vesicular breath sounds

3. Rhonchi

4. Crackles

The correct answer is: Vesicular breath sounds

Vesicular breath sounds are the normal sounds that are heard during respiration when auscultating the lung fields. These sounds are soft and low-pitched and are typically heard over most of the lung areas. They result from the air moving through the small bronchioles and alveoli during inhalation and are characterized by a rustling quality akin to the sound of leaves blowing in the wind. In contrast, wheezing sounds indicate airway constriction and are often associated with conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Rhonchi are often described as low-pitched noises that can be caused by the obstruction of larger airways, frequently due to mucus. Crackles, also known as rales, can signify fluid in the lungs and may be heard in scenarios like pulmonary edema or pneumonia. Thus, vesicular breath sounds are the hallmark of normal respiratory physiology, providing important insights into lung function during a standard examination.