Loud rumbling sounds heard on auscultation of bronchi obstructed by sputum are called?

• A. Ronchi
• B. Crackles
• C. Stridor
• D. Eupnea

Answer: (A)

Ronchi are loud, low-pitched, rumbling sounds heard when air moves through airways blocked by secretions in the bronchi. They have a snoring or gurgling quality and are often heard during expiration, though they can be heard throughout breathing. The key feature is that the obstruction is in the larger airways, and these sounds may clear with coughing or suctioning, indicating mucus in the bronchial passages.

This differs from crackles, which are brief, popping sounds from fluid in the smaller airways or alveoli and are typically heard on inspiration; stridor is a harsh, high-pitched sound indicating upper airway obstruction; and eupnea simply means normal, unobstructed breathing with no adventitious sounds.