A 69-year-old man complains of worsening dyspnea over two days. Which assessment would provide the most information regarding the cause of his dyspnea?

The assessment of lung sounds is critical in understanding the cause of dyspnea in this patient. By listening to the lung sounds, the EMT can identify various abnormal lung conditions, such as wheezing, crackles, or rhonchi, which can indicate specific issues like asthma exacerbations, pulmonary edema, or pneumonia. This assessment provides immediate insight into the pulmonary status and guides further management.

In contrast, while vital signs assessment can offer some information regarding the patient’s overall condition, it may not directly indicate the specific pulmonary issue causing his dyspnea. Pulse oximetry readings are beneficial for understanding oxygen saturation levels but do not identify the underlying cause of the breathing difficulty. Evaluating patient history is essential for contextualizing the current situation, but it may not provide immediate, actionable insights about the respiratory distress. Therefore, listening to lung sounds directly addresses the respiratory aspect of the patient’s complaints, making it the most informative assessment in this scenario.