![]() ![]() The presence of breath sounds over both sides of the chest is an essential element of the "A" in the ABCs. Inspiration to expiration length ratio is 3:1, or longer: shorter. (Over the trachea, in contrast, the breath sounds are high-pitched and loud over the mainstream bronchi, between the scapulae, and below the clavicles they are medium-pitched sounds-a combination of vesicular and bronchial-called bronchovesicular sounds.) Normal breath sounds over the lung fields are called VESICULAR breath sounds: low-pitched and soft. This section will begin by reviewing the importance of hearing bilateral breath sounds followed by defining and describing stridor, wheezing, crackles, and several special sounds that may appear on an exam.īreath sounds should be assessed in three locations, the apex of each lung (right above the clavicle), the mid lung (mid sternal), and at the bases (Roughly at the level of the xiphoid process). Regardless of these practical limitations, the description of breath sounds is a vital component of many national registry exam questions and may help guide your care in the field. In the EMS setting the detailed analysis of breath sounds can be restricted by environmental noise, time constraints, and limitations to patient mobility. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.During both the rapid assessment of a patient's ABCs and the head-to-toe secondary survey the assessment of the patient's breath sounds via auscultation is vital to the recognition and treatment of several emergencies. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. Links to other sites are provided for information only – they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy editorial process and privacy policy. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. is accredited by URAC, for Health Content Provider (URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. ![]() ![]() X-rays of chest and abdomen or other parts of the body if there are additional injuriesĪ.D.A.M., Inc. ![]() Chest tube (tube through the skin and muscles between the ribs into the space around the lungs) if there is lung collapse.Blood tests and possible blood transfusion.Breathing support - This may include oxygen, non-invasive airway pressure support such as BIPAP, or endotracheal intubation (placement of a breathing tube through the mouth or nose into the airway) and placement on a ventilator (life support breathing machine).The provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including oxygen saturation, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT In people who have had an injury, chest tube drainage may be all that is needed. The cause of the hemothorax will be also treated. If a chest tube alone does not control the bleeding, surgery ( thoracotomy) may be needed to stop the bleeding. It is left in place and attached to suction for several days to re-expand the lung.A chest tube is inserted through the chest wall between the ribs to drain the blood and air.The goal of treatment is to get the person stable, stop the bleeding, and remove the blood and air in the pleural space. ![]()
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