Fremitus will _____________ over areas of consolidation?

When assessing fremitus, it is important to understand that it pertains to the vibrations transmitted through the lung tissue when a person speaks. In cases of lung consolidation—such as with pneumonia or a tumor—the alveoli are filled with fluid or solid mass instead of air, which changes how vibrations move through the lung tissue.

As a result, fremitus will increase over areas of consolidation. This occurs because consolidated lung tissues are denser and will transmit sound waves more effectively than air-filled alveoli. Therefore, when a healthcare provider places their hands on a patient’s chest while asking them to speak, they will feel stronger vibrations in areas where the lung tissue is consolidated.

Understanding the change in fremitus is crucial for clinicians during physical assessments, providing insight into underlying respiratory conditions. The increase in fremitus over areas of consolidation is essential in distinguishing between different pulmonary pathologies.