Final answer:
Auscultation of the lungs during pregnancy could reveal crepitation or crackling sounds due to altered lung volumes and potential fluid. These are often assessed further with a chest radiograph and sputum sample to diagnose underlying conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you auscultate the lungs of a client with conditions of pregnancy, you may encounter various changes due to the physiological adaptations during this period. Respiratory system alterations caused by the enlarging uterus can lead to decreased lung volumes, potentially causing dyspnea or shortness of breath. The client may exhibit altered breath sounds such as a crackling sound, which can be referred to as crepitation, and this could suggest the presence of conditions such as congestion or fluid in the lungs. A chest radiograph and sputum sample would help determine the cause, whether it's an infection like pneumonia or another pulmonary condition.