Final answer:
During auscultation, a healthcare provider listens to a patient's lung sounds using a stethoscope. The patient is instructed to take deep breaths to assess lung function. Abnormal sounds like crackling may indicate certain conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
During a physical exam, a healthcare provider uses a stethoscope to listen to a patient's lung sounds. The stethoscope is placed on different areas of the chest to check for any abnormal sounds like crackling or wheezing. This can help identify conditions such as pneumonia or other lung problems.
The provider instructs the patient to take deep breaths in and out with their mouth open. This allows for a better assessment of lung function. The provider may also move the stethoscope from the C7 down and side to side to cover different areas of the lungs.
Example: If a patient has pneumonia, the provider might hear crackling sounds in the lungs during auscultation. This information can help confirm the diagnosis and guide further testing or treatment.