Just curious

Have you been asked to say 99 or whisper it while a doctor auscultates your chest?

Has a doctor asked you to say anything else unusual or random? I have seen on videos the letter 'E' being repeated.

Is this technique used often and for what purpose? I have only ever been asked to take deep breaths but I think saying anything could be a bit embarrassing.

Have you been asked to say 99 or whisper it while a doctor auscultates your chest?

Has a doctor asked you to say anything else unusual or random? I have seen on videos the letter 'E' being repeated.

Is this technique used often and for what purpose? I have only ever been asked to take deep breaths but I think saying anything could be a bit embarrassing.

I think this procedure is called vocal / tactile fremitus having the patient say "E" is to assess for egophony

Take a look at the links below for information.

http://www.rnceus.com/resp/resptrans.html

http://www.osceskills.com/e-learning/subjects/respiratory-examination/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx4_M0GEZrg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaRqot7iXIU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvLOy706-M4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imZZDnUE1zc

Thanks Rockdoc. That explains it very well.

Never in real life, but all the time with medical students as a standardized patient.

Its for Whispered pectoriloquy.

Yes in the respiratory part of my physical exam, I'm asked to say 99 as they move the stethoscope acround my chest and across my back.