Fremitus

Definition

Fremitus is the palpable vibration felt on the chest wall when a patient speaks. It is used to assess underlying lung pathology and can indicate changes in lung density or structure.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fremitus can be increased in conditions like pneumonia where there is consolidation within the lungs.
2. Decreased fremitus might be observed in patients with pleural effusion, pneumothorax, or obstructed bronchus.
3. Assessment of fremitus involves placing hands on the patient's chest while they say a phrase like 'ninety-nine'.
4. Fremitus is typically assessed during a physical examination of patients with respiratory complaints.
5. Alterations in fremitus can help differentiate between various pulmonary conditions affecting nutrition and overall wellness.

Review Questions

• What does increased fremitus indicate about lung pathology?
• How do you assess for fremitus in a patient?
• Why might fremitus be decreased in cases of pneumothorax?

Related terms

Percussion: A technique used to tap on the surface of the body to determine the underlying structure by the sound produced.

Auscultation: The act of listening to sounds from the heart, lungs, or other organs, typically using a stethoscope.

Consolidation: A region of normally compressible lung tissue that has filled with liquid instead of air, often due to infection or other disease processes.