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Atelectasis post-op — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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EasySurgery (post-operative, follow-up)Atelectasis post-opUSMLE Step 3

A 62-year-old man has low-grade fever and mild hypoxemia the morning after open colectomy. He has shallow breathing due to incisional pain. Lungs have bibasilar crackles that improve after coughing. The incision is clean and urine is clear. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: B — Postoperative atelectasis

Fever and mild hypoxemia within 24 hours of abdominal surgery with shallow breathing are most consistent with atelectasis.

Reference: ACS Surgery Principles