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Atelectasis — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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ModerateSurgery (post-operative, follow-up)AtelectasisUSMLE Step 3

A 64-year-old man has mild hypoxemia on the morning after abdominal surgery. He is afebrile, and lung examination shows decreased bibasilar breath sounds. Chest radiograph shows small basilar linear opacities. He has been avoiding deep breaths due to pain. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for this patient's findings?

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Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Alveolar collapse from shallow postoperative breathing

Postoperative shallow breathing and poor inspiration can cause basilar atelectatic changes and mild hypoxemia.

Reference: ACS/SAGES perioperative care principles and standard surgical management guidance: https://www.facs.org/