Respiratory and Lung Sounds Assessment

Vocabulary flashcards covering respiration assessment, depth, rhythm, effort, stethoscope technique, and breath sound classifications.

One respiration

One rise and one fall of the chest or abdomen.

Regular respiration counting method

Counting respirations for $30\,\text{seconds}$ and multiplying by $2$.

Irregular respiration counting method

Counting respirations for a full $60\,\text{seconds}$ when breathing is irregular, unusually slow or fast, or required by an instructor.

Normal resting adult respiratory rate

$12\text{--}20\,\text{breaths/minute}$.

Normal respiratory depth

Regular chest expansion that is not especially shallow or deep.

Shallow respiratory depth

Small chest movements during breathing.

Deep respiratory depth

Noticeably large chest movements during breathing.

Regular respiratory rhythm

Breaths that are evenly spaced.

Irregular respiratory rhythm

Breaths with pauses or inconsistent spacing.

Labored respiratory effort indicators

Observations including accessory-muscle use, retractions, nasal flaring, or difficulty speaking.

Stethoscope diaphragm placement

Placing the diaphragm of the stethoscope directly on the skin (not over clothing) and comparing matching areas side to side.

Auscultation instruction and technique

Asking the patient to breathe slowly and deeply through their mouth, and listening to one full inhalation and exhalation at each location.

Clear breath sounds

Expected airflow with no extra sounds.

Diminished breath sounds

Airflow that is present but quieter than expected.

Absent breath sounds

No airflow heard at that location.

Adventitious breath sounds

Unexpected added sounds heard during lung auscultation.

Crackles

Fine popping or bubbling sounds, usually more noticeable during inhalation.

Wheezes

High-pitched, musical sounds caused by narrowed airways.

Rhonchi

Low-pitched, coarse or snoring sound that may improve after coughing.

Pleural friction rub

Harsh, grating sound heard during auscultation.

Example normal respiration statement

"Respirations are 16 breaths per minute, regular, even, unlabored, and of normal depth."

Example normal breath sounds statement

"Breath sounds are clear and equal bilaterally, with no adventitious sounds."