A 44-Year-Old Obese Woman Undergoes an Open Cholecystectomy for Complicated

A 44-year-old obese woman undergoes an open cholecystectomy for complicated acute cholecystitis.  She is receiving intravenous hydration, hydromorphone, and antibiotics.  On the second postoperative day, her temperature is 36.7° C (98.2° F) , blood pressure is 110/80 mm Hg, pulse is 92/min, and respirations are 12/min.  Oxygen saturation is 89% on room air.  Her arterial blood gas results are as follows: What is the most likely cause of hypoxemia in this patient?

A) Acute pulmonary embolism
B) Alveolar hypoventilation
C) Atelectasis
D) Pleural effusion
E) Pulmonary edema

Correct Answer:

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