National Asthma Educator Certification Board (NAECB) Practice Exam

Crackles, also known as rales, are abnormal lung sounds that can indicate the presence of fluid or secretions in the alveoli or small airways. In the case of a patient with asthma, crackles in the right lower lung typically signify that there are secretions present, likely due to the inflammatory process associated with asthma exacerbations. During these episodes, the airways can become more reactive, leading to excess mucus production, which can then pool in the lungs and create the audible crackling sounds when the patient breathes.

This phenomenon is particularly relevant in asthma, as inflammation and bronchoconstriction can contribute to impaired clearance of secretions, leading to conditions such as bronchiectasis or infection, which can further increase the likelihood of crackles being heard during auscultation. The presence of such sound is a clinical indicator that must be assessed in the context of the broader clinical picture to manage the patient effectively.