Certified Respiratory Therapist Practice Exam

Which physical examination finding is characteristic of pleuritic chest pain?

1. Decreased breath sounds

2. Friction rub

3. Bronchial breath sounds

4. Hyperresonance

The correct answer is: Friction rub

Pleuritic chest pain is typically associated with conditions that involve inflammation or irritation of the pleura, the two layers of tissue that surround the lungs. A friction rub is a specific physical examination finding characterized by a grating or rubbing sound that occurs when the inflamed pleural surfaces rub against each other during breathing. This sound is heard during auscultation and is closely linked to the condition of the pleura, making it a definitive sign of pleurisy or other pleural diseases. The presence of a friction rub provides valuable clinical information that helps differentiate pleuritic chest pain from other causes, as it specifically indicates that the pleura is involved in the pathological process. This distinguishes it from other examination findings that might be present in different respiratory conditions.