Vibrations felt on the chest wall due to secretions are referred to as

• A. Vocal fremitus
• B. Rhonchi
• C. Rales
• D. Tactile fremitus

Answer: (D)

Tactile fremitus is the palpable vibration felt on the chest wall when the patient speaks. This sensation comes from vibrations traveling through the bronchopulmonary tree and being transmitted to the chest surface. When there are secretions or consolidation in the lungs, the density of the lung tissue increases, so these vibrations are conducted more efficiently to the chest wall, making tactile fremitus easier to feel. In contrast, air-filled spaces or fluid in the pleural space can dampen or block the vibration, reducing fremitus.

It’s helpful to contrast with vocal fremitus, which refers to the audible vibrations produced by the voice that you can hear through the chest with a stethoscope or if you palpate lightly; tactile fremitus is specifically the palpable counterpart.