Wheezing.

Wheezing.

• A. Rales
• B. Wheezing
• C. Bradypnea
• D. Apnea

Answer: (B)

Wheezing reflects narrowed or obstructed airways, producing a high-pitched, whistling or musical sound as air moves through constricted bronchioles. This turbulent flow is typical of bronchoconstriction or edema and is often heard during expiration, though it can appear during inspiration in more severe obstruction. This distinguishes it from rales, which are crackling sounds from fluid in the small airways or alveoli, and from bradypnea or apnea, which describe slower breathing or pauses rather than a specific airway sound. So the presence of a high-pitched wheeze points to airway narrowing as the underlying issue.

Wheezing reflects narrowed or obstructed airways, producing a high-pitched, whistling or musical sound as air moves through constricted bronchioles. This turbulent flow is typical of bronchoconstriction or edema and is often heard during expiration, though it can appear during inspiration in more severe obstruction. This distinguishes it from rales, which are crackling sounds from fluid in the small airways or alveoli, and from bradypnea or apnea, which describe slower breathing or pauses rather than a specific airway sound. So the presence of a high-pitched wheeze points to airway narrowing as the underlying issue.