Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

What type of breathing sounds are associated with pneumonia?

1. Wheezing and crackles

2. Stridor

3. Snoring

4. Labored breathing

The correct answer is: Wheezing and crackles

Wheezing and crackles are associated with pneumonia due to the nature of the condition and the changes it causes in the lungs. Pneumonia leads to the accumulation of fluid or mucus in the air sacs (alveoli) due to infection or inflammation. As a result, patients may present with crackling sounds, also known as "rales," when air moves through the fluid-filled alveoli during inhalation. This is indicative of the presence of fluid in the lungs. Wheezing, characterized by a high-pitched whistling sound, may also occur in pneumonia, particularly if there is accompanying bronchospasm or constriction of the airways. This can happen when the inflammation or infection affects surrounding structures and leads to narrowing of the airways. In contrast, stridor is a high-pitched sound often associated with upper airway obstruction, such as in cases of croup or anaphylaxis, while snoring typically indicates partial obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. Labored breathing describes difficulty in breathing but is not specific to the types of sounds produced. Thus, the combination of wheezing and crackles is most closely associated with pneumonia, making it the correct choice.