What does the term 'rales' refer to in a clinical context?

Prepare for the NAVTA Approved Veterinary Assistant Test with study flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and detailed explanations to help you ace the exam!

The term 'rales' is used in a clinical context to describe crackling sounds that are auscultated in the lungs, particularly during inhalation. These sounds are caused by the presence of fluid in the alveoli or small air passages, and they may indicate conditions such as pneumonia, heart failure, or other pulmonary issues.

While wheezing does refer to high-pitched sounds that can occur due to narrowed airways, it is more specific to bronchospasm or obstruction rather than the crackling noises characterized by rales. Abnormal heartbeats are classified as arrhythmias and do not pertain to respiratory sounds. Therefore, understanding that rales indicate a specific respiratory condition and are tied to crackling sounds in the lungs can help in recognizing their significance during a clinical evaluation.

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