Which of the following findings indicates a lower respiratory tract problem?

Expiratory wheezes and long expiration are indications of a lower respiratory tract problem primarily because they suggest underlying obstruction or constriction in the bronchial passages. Such sounds often result from conditions affecting the airways below the vocal cords, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or bronchoconstriction. This type of wheezing typically occurs during expiration when the airways are narrowed, which can lead to an increased resistance to airflow, making it more difficult to exhale.

In contrast, stridor is generally associated with upper airway obstruction, typically occurring in situations such as croup or anaphylaxis. Decreased breath sounds can indicate a variety of problems, including pneumothorax or pleural effusion, but they do not specifically confirm lower respiratory tract issues. Fever is more indicative of an infection, which could affect either the upper or lower respiratory tract but does not provide clear evidence of a specific lower respiratory problem. Thus, the presence of expiratory wheezes and long expiration distinctly points to issues within the lower respiratory tract.