Rhonchi are most likely heard in which situation?

• A. Secretions in larger airways
• B. Pleurisy
• C. Pulmonary edema
• D. Atelectasis

Answer: (A)

Rhonchi are coarse, low-pitched breath sounds that arise from secretions or obstructions in the larger airways. They often sound like a snore or gurgle and are most noticeable during expiration; they can clear with coughing or suctioning as the secretions are mobilized.

In this scenario, secretions in the larger airways fit best because rhonchi specifically reflect mucus or debris in the bigger air passages. Pleurisy produces a friction rub, a scratchy sound from the pleural surfaces, not a snoring quality. Pulmonary edema causes crackles (rales), which are brief popping sounds from fluid in the airspaces, not the coarse rhonchi. Atelectasis can yield decreased breath sounds or localized crackles or bronchial breathing, but not the characteristic rhonchi.