To distinguish crackles from rhonchi, you should auscultate the lungs:
A) before and after the patient coughs.
B) first at the lung base and then at the apex.
C) with the patient inhaling and then exhaling.
D) with the patient recumbent and then sitting.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To distinguish between crackles and rhonchi, ask the patient to cough and auscultate again over the same area. Because they reflect secretions in larger airways, rhonchi can clear with coughing.

To Distinguish Crackles from Rhonchi, You Should Auscultate the Lungs