American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The most relevant assessment for a patient presenting with shortness of breath is cardiac auscultation. This technique involves using a stethoscope to listen to heart sounds, which can reveal important information about the heart's function and any potential underlying conditions contributing to respiratory issues.

In cases of shortness of breath, assessing cardiac function is crucial because conditions such as heart failure, arrhythmias, or other cardiac conditions can manifest with respiratory symptoms. Abnormal heart sounds, such as murmurs or gallops, can provide insight into whether the heart is the source of the problem. Additionally, understanding the interplay between cardiovascular and respiratory systems can guide treatment decisions and diagnosis.

While assessing respiratory rate is important, since it reflects the patient's current respiratory status, it does not provide the detailed information about the underlying cardiovascular health that auscultation offers. Other assessments, such as neurological or musculoskeletal examinations, are generally less directly related to the immediate concerns of shortness of breath and are not the primary focus in this context.