For lung sounds absent bilaterally, duration?

• A. 60 seconds
• B. 30 seconds
• C. 15 seconds
• D. 45 seconds

Answer: (B)

Focusing your auscultation for lung sounds for a reliable, efficient check is key when both lungs have no audible air movement. Listening for about 30 seconds allows you to cover multiple critical zones—both sides, anterior and posterior, upper and lower areas—and confirm there are no breath sounds without delaying urgent care. If you go too short, you risk missing subtle sounds or not checking all fields; if you go much longer, you waste valuable time when the patient needs immediate ventilation. With absent bilateral breath sounds, you should start assisted ventilation (bag-valve mask with high-flow oxygen) and move quickly to transport, while continuing to reassess as directed by protocol.