Pamela is a 23-year-old college student who is in good health, lifts weights regularly, and maintains a high-protein, low-fat diet. She is injured in an automobile accident and confined to bed for 4 days in the hospital with a broken leg. On the fifth day of hospitalization, Pamela suddenly becomes very short of breath. She seems unable to get enough air and begins to hyperventilate. A chest x-ray is obtained, but appears normal. Considering the information presented, what is the most likely cause of Pamela's respiratory distress?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pamela's high-protein, low-fat diet and regular weight-lifting may have put her at risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Being bedridden for 4 days with a broken leg further increases this risk. PE can cause sudden onset of shortness of breath and hyperventilation and often goes undetected on chest x-ray. Therefore, a pulmonary embolism is the most likely cause of Pamela's respiratory distress.

Pamela Is a 23-Year-Old College Student Who Is in Good