Coarse crackles are described as

• A. Lower-pitched sounds heard in pulmonary edema or bronchitis
• B. High-pitched sounds like a whistle
• C. Popping sounds
• D. Creaking rubs

Answer: (A)

Coarse crackles are low-pitched, bubbling or rattling sounds heard during inspiration. They happen when air moves through secretions or fluid in the larger airways, which is why they’re commonly heard with conditions like pulmonary edema or bronchitis. This contrasts with wheezes, which are high-pitched musical sounds from narrowed airways. The other option describes a different type of sound—fine crackles are popping and higher-pitched, typically heard at the end of inspiration, while a pleural friction rub is a creaking, grating sound from inflamed pleura.