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Basics of Lung Sounds

Crackles - Fine (Rales) Sounds

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Fine crackles are brief, discontinuous, popping lung sounds that are high-pitched. Fine crackles are also similar to the sound of wood burning in a fireplace, or hook and loop fasteners being pulled apart or cellophane being crumpled.

Crackles, previously termed rales, can be heard in both phases of respiration. Early inspiratory and expiratory crackles are the hallmark of chronic bronchitis. Late inspiratory crackles may mean pneumonia, CHF, or atelectasis.

Crackles - Fine (Rales)
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The recommended auscultation position for the stethoscope is the Chest wall position. For this sound, use stethoscope's Diaphragm.


maneuver
The recommended patient position is Seated

Waveform

waveform
This waveform plots sound amplitude on the vertical axis against time on the horizontal axis.
Skin and Ribs


Blended View


Lungs


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torso
lungs view
Lessons
1Vesicular - Normal
2Crackles - Fine (Rales) checkmark
3Crackles - Coarse (Rales)
4Wheeze
5Rhonchi - Low Pitched Wheezes
6Bronchial
7Pleural Rubs
8Bronchovesicular
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Practice Drill



Listening Tips
A synopsis of important sound features and timing for this abnormality.
Rales are brief, discontinuous, popping sounds that are high-pitched. Similar to wood burning in a fireplace. More commonly heard during inspiration.
CaseID72
CourseID201
CourseCaseOrder2
ID59



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This website is only for medical professional education. Contact a healthcare provider for medical care. Copyright 2011-2020 © MedEdu LLC. All Rights Reserved. About | Privacy Policy | Email

  • mededu company logo
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  • email share