Assess symptoms: cough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue
Check vital signs: temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation
Perform physical examination: listen for crackles, decreased breath sounds, wheezing, or signs of consolidation
Review medical history: recent illness, aspiration risk, smoking, chronic lung disease, immune status
Obtain chest X-ray to look for lung infiltrates or consolidation
Order blood tests: complete blood count, inflammatory markers, blood cultures if severe
Test oxygen levels with pulse oximetry or arterial blood gas if needed
Collect sputum sample for Gram stain and culture when appropriate
Perform viral testing when a viral cause is suspected
Consider CT scan if chest X-ray is unclear or complications are suspected
Evaluate severity to determine need for outpatient care, hospitalization, or ICU care
Differentiate from other conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, heart failure, or pulmonary embolism