What do wheezes sound like when auscultating respiratory rate?

When auscultating the respiratory rate, wheezes are identified as high-pitched musical noises primarily heard during expiration. This characteristic sound arises from the narrowing of the airways, which can occur due to various conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, or other forms of airway obstruction. The high-pitched tone is a result of turbulent airflow through constricted passages, creating a distinct musical quality that differentiates wheezes from other respiratory sounds.

Understanding this is crucial for veterinary technicians, as recognizing wheezing can indicate underlying respiratory distress in animals, necessitating further examination and potentially immediate intervention. The other sounds listed do not reflect the typical characteristics of wheezes, which is why the description of high-pitched musical noises during expiration is the correct choice.