Basics of Lung Sounds

Pleural Rubs - Auscultation Lesson

When auscultation is performed, pleural rubs can often be heard as creaking or grating sounds. These are produced by two inflamed surfaces rubbing against each other - similar to walking on fresh snow or the sound of leather-on-leather. Coughing does not affect these noises and they will usually change in intensity with respiration cycle (increasing at inspiration, decreasing at expiration). A crucial distinction between them and pericardial friction rubs is that those continue even when patient holds their breath whilst a pleural rub stops immediately thereafter.

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The patient's position is seated.

Pleural Rubs - Auscultation Lesson

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