Field Internship Student Data Acquisition Project. (FISDAP) Airway Practice Exam

Which is NOT a typical cause of wheeze sounds?

1. Asthma

2. Pulmonary embolism

3. Airway obstruction

4. Allergic reaction

The correct answer is: Pulmonary embolism

Wheeze sounds are typically associated with conditions that result in narrowing or obstruction of the airways, leading to turbulent airflow during breathing. Asthma is a well-known condition where this occurs due to bronchoconstriction and inflammation of the airways. Similarly, airway obstruction, whether from foreign bodies or other factors, can also cause wheezing due to restricted airflow. Allergic reactions can lead to wheezing when they cause bronchospasm or inflammation as part of an anaphylactic response, which can narrow the airways. In contrast, pulmonary embolism usually does not produce wheeze sounds. A pulmonary embolism involves the obstruction of a blood vessel in the lungs, often caused by blood clots. While it can lead to serious respiratory distress and other symptoms such as pleuritic chest pain and shortness of breath, it does not typically create the wheezing sounds associated with airway narrowing. This distinguishing feature makes it the correct choice for what is NOT a typical cause of wheeze sounds.