Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

What type of respiratory sound is characterized as high-pitched and whistle-like?

1. Stridor

2. Wheezing

3. Rales

4. Ronchi

The correct answer is: Wheezing

Wheezing is characterized as a high-pitched, whistle-like sound that occurs during respiration, specifically during expiration. This sound is typically produced when air flows through narrowed airways, which can happen due to conditions such as asthma, bronchoconstriction, or airway obstruction. Understanding wheezing is essential for EMTs as it indicates that the patient may be experiencing difficulty in breathing due to the constriction or inflammation of the air passages. Monitoring and identifying these sounds can be crucial for assessing the severity of respiratory distress and implementing the appropriate treatment, such as bronchodilators. On the other hand, stridor is a high-pitched sound typically associated with upper airway obstruction, often heard during inhalation. Rales, also known as crackles, are characterized by a rattling or bubbling sound that indicates fluid in the alveoli or small airways, commonly associated with conditions like pneumonia. Ronchi are low-pitched, snore-like sounds that usually arise from the presence of mucus in the larger airways. Each respiratory sound provides different insights into the underlying causes of respiratory issues, highlighting the importance of accurate identification.