What is 'rhonchi' associated with?

Rhonchi are characterized by low-pitched, rattling noises produced by the movement of air through secretions in larger airways or bronchi, which can often be heard through a stethoscope during breathing. They typically indicate the presence of mucus or other obstructions in the airways and are associated with conditions such as bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This makes option B the correct answer, as it accurately describes the sound and its association with mucous in the lungs.

Other options do not align with the definition of rhonchi; normal breath sounds are distinct from abnormal sounds like rhonchi, a high-pitched wheeze refers to a different type of respiratory sound often associated with asthma or airway constriction, and the absence of breath sounds would indicate a lack of air movement altogether, which is not related to rhonchi.