Final answer:
To identify abnormal bronchial sounds, healthcare providers perform auscultation with a stethoscope. Crepitation is an example of an abnormal sound indicating fluid in the lungs. Additional testing like chest radiographs and sputum samples may be used to diagnose underlying conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
To assess for any abnormal bronchial sounds, a physician or healthcare provider conducts auscultation using a stethoscope. During auscultation, the clinician will listen carefully for sounds that indicate issues with airflow and the presence of fluid or other materials within the lungs. Crepitation, a crackling sound, is a common abnormal sound that suggests the presence of fluid, which can be indicative of conditions such as pneumonia or pulmonary edema. Other abnormal sounds include wheezing, indicating narrowed airways often seen in asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and stridor, a high-pitched sound associated with obstruction. A chest radiograph may show opacities or other signs consistent with these findings and a sputum sample can provide further diagnostic information through microbiological evaluation.