A 32-Year-Old Hospitalized Man Is Evaluated for New-Onset Shortness of Breath

A 32-year-old hospitalized man is evaluated for new-onset shortness of breath and confusion.  The patient was admitted for a displaced femoral neck fracture of the left hip acquired after a fall the day before. The surgery under general anesthesia with sevoflurane was uneventful. She appears cyanotic, drowsy, and is oriented only to person. Her temperature is 38.6°C (101.5°F) , pulse is 135/minute, respirations are 36/min, and blood pressure is 155/95 mm Hg. Pulse oximetry on room air shows an oxygen saturation of 81%. There are several scattered petechiae on the anterior chest wall. An ECG shows sinus tachycardia. Which of the following histologic changes has most likely taken place in this patient's lung tissue?

A) Alveolar fluid rich in neutrophils
B) Fat microglobules in pulmonary arterioles
C) Prominent interstitial infiltration by mononuclear cells
D) Red thrombus lodged in the pulmonary artery
E) Scattered necrosis with alveolar hemorrhage

Correct Answer:

Verified

Unlock this answer now
Get Access to more Verified Answers free of charge

Access For Free