A 66-Year-Old Man Hospitalized 3 Days Ago for Left Lower

A 66-year-old man hospitalized 3 days ago for left lower lobe pneumonia is evaluated for persistent fever.  He has been receiving the appropriate intravenous antibiotics as determined by antibiotic susceptibility testing of his sputum cultures.  The patient has a history of diabetes mellitus and hypertension.  His temperature is 38 C (100.4 F) and pulse is 87/min.  Examination shows dullness to percussion and decreased breath sounds over the left lower lung.  Imaging studies reveal a loculated, left-sided pleural effusion.  A tube is placed to drain the fluid via an incision at the 5th intercostal space in the midaxillary line.  Which of the following muscles is most likely to be dissected during the procedure?

A) External oblique
B) Infraspinatus
C) Latissimus dorsi
D) Pectoralis major
E) Serratus anterior

Correct Answer:

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