A 63-Year-Old Man Is Brought to the Emergency Department Due

A 63-year-old man is brought to the emergency department due to an episode of syncope.  The patient was recently discharged back to a nursing home after being hospitalized for a urinary tract infection.  He has a history of coronary artery disease and takes aspirin, clopidogrel, and atorvastatin.  His other medical conditions include type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension.  The patient does not use tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drugs.  Blood pressure is 68/32 mm Hg and pulse is 118/min.  Invasive hemodynamic monitoring reveals an elevated right atrial pressure of 17 mm Hg and a pulmonary capillary wedge pressure of 7 mm Hg (normal: 8-10 mm Hg) . Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's current condition?

A) Anaphylactic shock
B) Gastrointestinal bleeding
C) Right ventricular infarction
D) Septic shock
E) Severe aortic stenosis

Correct Answer:

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