Advanced Health Assessment Practice Exam

What high-pitched crowing sound from the upper airway indicates a tracheal or laryngeal spasm?

1. Wheezing

2. Stridor

3. Rhonchi

4. Crackles

The correct answer is: Stridor

The high-pitched crowing sound from the upper airway, known as stridor, typically indicates a blockage or irritation in the larynx or trachea, potentially due to a spasm or swelling in these areas. Stridor is most commonly heard during inspiration and can signify urgent conditions such as laryngospasm, croup, or foreign body obstruction. Wheezing, in contrast, is a musical sound often associated with lower airway obstruction due to bronchospasm, typically observed in conditions like asthma or COPD. Rhonchi are low-pitched, snoring sounds resulting from airflow obstruction in the larger airways, usually indicating secretions or mucus. Crackles (or rales) are brief, popping sounds indicative of fluid in the alveoli, often associated with conditions like pneumonia or heart failure. Thus, identifying stridor is critical for recognizing potential emergencies related to upper airway problems, making it essential for advanced health assessment.