Final answer:
Auscultation is a diagnostic technique where clinicians listen to internal body sounds, such as breath and heart sounds, to detect any abnormalities. Abnormal breath sounds, like crepitations, can indicate conditions like pneumonia. If heart murmurs are detected, further diagnostic tests such as an echocardiogram may be necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question refers to the process of auscultation, which is a clinical method used to listen to the internal sounds of a patient's body, usually with a stethoscope. Detailed analysis of breath sounds can reveal a wealth of information regarding a patient's pulmonary and cardiac health. The nurse hears breath sounds through auscultation of the patient's chest, which could indicate normal breath sounds, wheezing, rales, or other abnormal sounds associated with respiratory conditions.
When auscultating, doctors or nurses can detect abnormalities such as crepitations, which are indicative of conditions such as pneumonia or pulmonary edema. The crackling sounds are caused by the opening of small airways and alveoli that have collapsed due to fluid accumulation or infection. Other abnormal breath sounds include wheezing, stridor, and pleural friction rub, each indicative of different respiratory issues.
If abnormal heart sounds such as murmurs are detected during auscultation, further diagnostic procedures like an echocardiogram may be ordered to investigate the condition further.