Print Friendly, PDF & Email

What are the types of percussion notes?

 

Percussion Note Common Causes  
Dull * Pleural effusion, presence of hepatic tissue, consolidation, pleural thickening Solid organ or fluid
Resonant Normal lung Aerated lung tissue
Hyperresonant Pneumothorax, COPD

Hyperinflated lung tissue or air  in  the pleural space

* Some authors refer to stony-dull as a separate percussion note.  We have not included this here.

 

Click here to learn how to do a full respiratory examination and here for other medical exams

 

Click here for medical student OSCE and PACES exam questions about the respiratory examination