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?

Question

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 1

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.