Breath Sounds: Vesicular and Adventitious

by Cathy Parkes October 06, 2021 Updated: December 29, 2021

"Vesicular" breath sounds are a normal finding upon auscultation (i.e., the sound air makes flowing in and out of lungs). "Adventitious" breath sounds are always abnormal!

Cathy Parkes

Lordosis, Kyphosis, and Scoliosis

Lordosis (excessive curvature of the lumbar spine) is a common finding in pregnancy and in toddlers. Kyphosis (excessive curvature of the thoracic spine) is a common finding in the older adults. Scoliosis (lateral curvature of the spine) is always abnormal.

Tension Pneumothorax

A patient with a tension pneumothorax is likely to have tracheal deviation towards the unaffected side. Assess respiratory status in any patient with this finding!