What symptoms did the 72-year-old homeless man report that resulted in an acuity level of 3?

The symptoms reported by the 72-year-old homeless man, which included fever, productive cough, malaise, and weight loss, indicate a more serious medical condition that requires urgent attention. Fever often suggests an infection or systemic illness, which can be particularly concerning in older adults. A productive cough indicates that there is sputum production, which can be a sign of respiratory infections such as pneumonia. Malaise, or a general feeling of discomfort or unwellness, is also common in infections and can indicate that the body is fighting off a disease. Weight loss further indicates that the man may be dealing with a chronic illness or significant health issue, which is critical in assessing acuity levels.

Given these factors, the combination of all these symptoms points towards a condition that is likely to have a considerable impact on the patient's health, leading to an acuity level of 3, which signifies a need for prompt medical evaluation. In contrast, the other options describe symptoms that are less acute or indicative of serious underlying health issues, explaining why they are not as severe in terms of urgency as the symptoms presented in this option.