A 48-Year-Old, Previously Healthy Woman Is Seen in the Clinic

A 48-year-old, previously healthy woman is seen in the clinic for community-onset bacterial pneumonia.  Chest x-ray reveals dense consolidation of the right middle lobe.  Her pulse oximetry is 90% on room air.  The patient is treated with appropriate antibiotics.  Two days later, the patient feels well overall and her pulse oximetry is improved to 98% on room air.  Examination reveals unchanged crackles and egophony from her previous visit.  Which of the following processes best explains this patient's improved oxygenation?

A) Decreased alveolar consolidation
B) Decreased hemoglobin oxygen-binding affinity
C) Increased erythrocyte production
D) Restored hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction

Correct Answer:

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