While percussing a patient's chest wall, you encounter an area that produces a decreased resonance to percussion. Which of the following are potential causes of this finding?
I.pneumothorax
II.pleural effusion
III.pneumonia
IV.atelectasis

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Decreased resonance to percussion on a patient's chest wall can be caused by conditions that increase the density of lung tissue or accumulate fluid in the lungs or pleural space. Pleural effusion (II), pneumonia (III), and atelectasis (IV) all lead to increased density or fluid accumulation, thus decreasing resonance. Pneumothorax (I), on the other hand, involves air entering the pleural space, which would likely increase resonance or create a hyperresonant sound, not decrease it.

While Percussing a Patient's Chest Wall, You Encounter an Area