What does CTAB stand for in auscultation findings?

• A. Clear to Airway Bilaterally
• B. Clear to Auscultation Unilaterally
• C. Clear to Auscultation Bilaterally
• D. Clear to Percussion Bilaterally

Answer: (C)

CTAB stands for Clear To Auscultation Bilaterally, indicating that when you listen to the lungs with a stethoscope, there are no abnormal breath sounds detected on either side. This means no crackles, wheezes, rhonchi, or rubs, and normal sounding lungs on both sides. The term bilaterally confirms that both lungs were evaluated. The other phrases don’t fit because they either concern airway status, describe unilateral findings, or refer to percussion rather than auscultation. If abnormal sounds were present on one or both sides, you would document those specifics instead of CTAB.