During a respiratory assessment, which finding suggests consolidation in the lungs?

Increased tactile fremitus is an important physical finding in respiratory assessments that can indicate consolidation in the lungs. When lung tissue becomes denser—due to conditions like pneumonia or pulmonary edema—sound vibrations from the spoken voice can transmit more effectively through the consolidated tissue. As a result, when a clinician places their hands on the patient’s chest while the patient speaks, there will be a noticeable increase in the vibrations felt through the hands.

This phenomenon occurs because fluid or solid material in the lung replaces air and allows sound waves to travel more efficiently. Thus, assessing for increased tactile fremitus helps clinicians identify areas of potential lung consolidation, which would not be present in healthy, air-filled lung tissue where breath sounds would be normal and vibrations would be diminished or absent.

The other findings, while related to various respiratory conditions, do not specifically indicate consolidation. For example, pleural friction rub, decreased breath sounds, and wheezing suggest different issues involving pleural involvement, reduced airflow due to obstruction, or bronchospasm, respectively, rather than the solidification or consolidation of lung tissue itself.