North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

Rhonchi lung sounds are most commonly linked to which disease?

1. CHF

2. Pneumonia

3. Chronic bronchitis

4. Asthma

The correct answer is: Chronic bronchitis

Rhonchi lung sounds are low-pitched, snore-like sounds that are often associated with the presence of secretions in the airways, particularly in the bronchi. This type of lung sound typically indicates that there is a chronic condition affecting the bronchial tubes, making chronic bronchitis the most fitting diagnosis among the provided options. Chronic bronchitis is characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, leading to increased mucus production and narrowing of the airways. This can result in a persistent cough and the production of sputum, which contributes to the obstruction of airflow and the resultant rhonchi sounds. While other conditions such as asthma, pneumonia, and congestive heart failure can also produce abnormal lung sounds, they are not primarily associated with rhonchi. For instance, asthma tends to produce wheezing due to bronchoconstriction rather than rhonchi, and pneumonia may produce crackles or wheezes depending on the type of infection and fluid in the alveoli rather than the bronchi. Congestive heart failure is more associated with crackling or rales, which are the sounds of fluid in the alveoli rather than the bronchi. Thus, the strong connection of rhonchi with excess mucus and airway obstruction makes chronic