Which auscultatory finding is commonly associated with meconium aspiration syndrome?

• A. Wheezes
• B. Rales audible on auscultation
• C. Absent breath sounds
• D. Stridor

Answer: (B)

Meconium aspiration syndrome commonly causes chemical irritation of the lungs with airway obstruction and fluid/mucin buildup, leading to patchy areas of atelectasis and edema. As air moves through these inflamed and fluid-filled airways, fine crackles (rales) are typically heard on auscultation. This crackling sound reflects the alveolar involvement and small-airway obstruction that MAS produces. While wheezes can occur with bronchospasm, they are less characteristic; stridor would indicate upper airway obstruction, and absent breath sounds suggests more extreme or localized obstruction or a pneumothorax. So crackles on listening with a stethoscope best fit the MAS pattern.