In which of the following pathologic conditions is transmission of the whispered voice of a patient through a stethoscope not very clear?
A) I only
B) II and III only
C) I and IV only
D) I, II, and III only
E) II, III, and IV only

Question

In which of the following pathologic conditions is transmission of the whispered voice of a patient through a stethoscope not very clear? 
A) I only 
B) II and III only 
C) I and IV only 
D) I, II, and III only 
E) II, III, and IV only

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The whispered voice test is used to assess for possible lung pathology. It involves asking the patient to whisper a phrase while the examiner listens with a stethoscope over different areas of the chest. In conditions such as lung consolidation and pleural effusion (I and IV), the transmission of sound may be muffled, making it difficult to hear the whispered voice clearly. Therefore, choices I and IV are not very clear through a stethoscope. However, in conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (II and III), the transmitted sound may be diminished due to airway obstruction, but it should still be audible. Therefore, choices II and III are not affected to the same extent as choices I and IV.

In Which of the Following Pathologic Conditions Is Transmission of the Whispered