A 68-year-old with a history of hypertension and coronary ar…
A 68-year-old with a history of hypertension and coronary artery disease presents with increasing fatigue and shortness of breath during activity over the past week. Vital signs are: BP: 168/92 HR: 104 RR: 24 SpO₂: 92% on room air Temp: 98.4°F (36.9°C) Physical findings: Mild bilateral ankle edema Slight crackles at lung bases Skin cool to touch Which assessment finding is the priority indicator of decreased cardiac function?