A patient with pneumonia may experience which of the following symptoms?

A patient with pneumonia commonly presents with coarse inspiratory crackles when auscultated. These crackles occur due to the presence of fluid and mucus in the airways and alveoli, which is characteristic of lung infections such as pneumonia. When the patient breathes, the air movement through these secretions creates a crackling sound. This physical assessment finding can help healthcare providers confirm a diagnosis of pneumonia.

In contrast, increased appetite is typically not a symptom associated with pneumonia; instead, patients often experience decreased appetite due to illness and systemic symptoms. Skin rashes are also not typically related to pneumonia, as this infection primarily affects the respiratory system and does not usually manifest as dermatological symptoms. Joint pain, although it may occur with some underlying infections or conditions, is not a classic symptom of pneumonia. Thus, the presence of coarse inspiratory crackles is a key indicator in the assessment of patients suspected to have pneumonia.