What abnormal lung sound might you hear when auscultating the lungs of a client with cardiovascular disease during pregnancy?

Crackles, or rales, are abnormal lung sounds that often indicate the presence of fluid in the lungs or the opening of small airways during inspiration. These sounds can be heard in various conditions, including heart failure and pulmonary edema, which can occur in individuals with cardiovascular disease. During pregnancy, physiological changes can exacerbate pre-existing cardiovascular issues, potentially leading to increased fluid retention and pulmonary complications. As the body retains more fluid and blood volume increases, the likelihood of developing crackles rises.

Listening for crackles during auscultation provides valuable information about the respiratory status of the patient and can indicate the need for further evaluation or intervention related to both the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. This is especially important in the context of a pregnant patient who may be experiencing changes in her cardiovascular function due to the increased demands of the pregnancy.

While other sounds like wheezing (which indicates narrowed airways), silence (indicating potentially severe lung issues), and stridor (a high-pitched sound often related to upper airway obstruction) are significant, crackles specifically align with the common respiratory complications associated with cardiovascular issues during pregnancy.