The term usually used is "ground glass opacity" and means lack of clarity due to cloudiness in the area. It is often an indication of infection - mucus accumulation or "debris" making the image fuzzy, sort of like frosted glass.
Nodules are often small areas of pus or infectious matter, and will disappear with the opacity once the infection clears.
If bacterial, antibiotics can be used to clear it. If a virus, time can heal it.
If your wife having symptoms of pneumonia or bronchitis, like cough, fever, shortness of breath and fatigue?