The shift report states that a client has “crackles in both lungs.” Wh

The shift report states that a client has “crackles in both lungs.” Which statement by the nurse preparing to assess the client best reflects a thorough understanding of the recorded assessment finding?

1. “I wonder if they are fine, medium or coarse.”
2. “I’ll listen again and reassess after I ask him to cough.”
3. “That musical sound is hard to miss as they breathe out.”
4. “I wish it was recorded where in the lungs they were heard.”

ANSWER

ANS: 2
Crackles are most common in dependent lobes: right and left lung bases, Fine crackles are high-pitched fine, short, interrupted crackling sounds heard during end of inspiration, usually not cleared with coughing. Medium crackles are lower, more moist sounds heard during middle of inspiration; not cleared with coughing and coarse crackles are loud, bubbly sounds heard during inspiration; not cleared with coughing. Reassessing and asking the client to cough provides the clearest understanding of this type of breath sounds. Musical sounds are representative of wheezes not crackles.