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Postoperative pneumonia — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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ModerateSurgery (post-operative, follow-up)Postoperative pneumoniaUSMLE Step 3

A 68-year-old man is on postoperative day 2 after prostatectomy. He develops fever to 38.4 C, productive cough, and hypoxemia. Lung examination shows crackles at the right base. Chest radiograph shows right lower-lobe infiltrate. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: E — Postoperative pneumonia

Fever with cough, hypoxemia, focal crackles, and infiltrate indicates postoperative pneumonia.

Reference: ATS/IDSA pneumonia guidance; USMLE Step 3 Content Outline