Whispered Pectoriloquy - Abnormal

Voice high frequencies are more readily transmitted to the chest wall in abnormal lungs as compared to normal lungs. Ask the patient to whisper "1-2-3" several times while auscultating across the chest walls. The lung area is abnormal if the "1-2-3" sound is understood. This is the abnormal '1-2-3'. Compare this sound to the recording found in the "Whispered Pectoriloquy - Normal" lesson.

Patient Recording

Patient Recording - Half Speed Playback

Position

The patient's position should be sitting.

Listening Tips

Features:Ask patient to whisper 1-2-3 several times. Auscultate across chest walls. Abnormal if 1-2-3 sound is understood

Waveform (Phonocardiogram)

Authors

These authors contributed the audio recordings and text found in this reference guide: Jon Keroes, MD,Diane Wrigley, PA, and David Lieberman.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Barbara Erickson, PhD, RN, CCRN.

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