Rhonchi are described as

• A. Continuous, low-pitched, snoring or rattling sounds caused by secretions or obstructions in the larger airways
• B. High-pitched whispers
• C. Popping crackles
• D. Pleural friction rub

Answer: (A)

Rhonchi are continuous, low-pitched, snoring or rattling sounds caused by secretions or obstructions in the larger airways. This reflects air moving through secretions or partial blockages, producing a snoring, rumbling quality that often persists through the breath and may clear with coughing as secretions are moved out. In contrast, higher-pitched sounds describe wheezes, crackles are brief pops usually from the smaller airways, and a pleural friction rub is a grating sound from inflamed pleura felt along the chest wall. The described continuous, low-pitched, snoring or rattling character fits rhonchi most precisely.