What physical assessment finding supports the diagnosis of pneumonia?

Decreased breath sounds on one side during a physical assessment can indicate the presence of pneumonia, particularly when it reflects an area of consolidation or fluid in the lungs. In pneumonia, inflamed air sacs fill with fluid or pus, leading to impaired gas exchange and reduced airflow in the affected area. This can result in decreased breath sounds as the normal air movement is obstructed.

The other options might be associated with respiratory issues but are not specific indicators of pneumonia. Fever can indicate infection generally but is not exclusively related to pneumonia. Wheezing suggests airway obstruction and is more typical of asthma or certain types of bronchospasm rather than pneumonia itself. Chest pain can occur with pneumonia, especially if there is pleuritic involvement, but it is not a definitive physical assessment finding that would lead to a diagnosis of pneumonia. Thus, the presence of unilateral decreased breath sounds is a more direct indicator of pneumonia.