What objective finding suggests a patient has acute lung injury?

The presence of crackles on examination is a key objective finding that suggests a patient has acute lung injury. Acute lung injury, which encompasses conditions such as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), often leads to the accumulation of fluid in the alveoli, resulting in impaired gas exchange and reduced lung compliance.

On physical examination, crackles (also known as rales) are abnormal lung sounds that are typically heard during inspiration. They occur due to the movement of air through fluid-filled airways or collapsed alveoli reopening. This finding is directly indicative of underlying pulmonary pathology, such as fluid infiltration associated with acute lung injury, which differentiates it from other respiratory conditions.

Other findings, such as wheezing, elevated blood pressure, and hyperactive bowel sounds, do not specifically indicate acute lung injury. Wheezing signifies bronchospasm or obstruction in the airways rather than fluid accumulation. Elevated blood pressure is a systemic issue that may not provide specific information about lung injury. Hyperactive bowel sounds can suggest gastrointestinal processes but are not relevant to lung conditions. Thus, crackles are the most indicative finding in the context of acute lung injury.