The nurse is preparing to auscultate the breath sounds of a client for an asthma exacerbation. Which breath sounds does the nurse anticipate to find upon assessment?

A. This option describes wheezes, which are high-pitched continuous sounds often heard on both inspiration and expiration. Wheezes are commonly associated with asthma because they result from the narrowing of the airways, causing turbulent airflow. B. This description refers to crackles (or rales), which are short, high-pitched sounds often heard on inspiration. Crackles are typically associated with conditions such as pneumonia, congestive heart failure, or other forms of pulmonary edema. They are not as specific to asthma as wheezes are. C. This option describes rhonchi, which are low-pitched, continuous rattling sounds that may occur on both inspiration and expiration. Rhonchi are often associated with airway obstruction due to secretions or mucus and can be heard in conditions such as chronic bronchitis. D. This option describes pleural friction rubs, which are low-pitched, grating sounds heard during both inhalation and exhalation. Pleural friction rubs occur when the pleural layers become inflamed and rub against each other.