Correct!
5. All of the above
It is not entirely clear why the patient became hypotensive and a transfer to the ICU for monitoring seems reasonable. He initially responded to a bolus of IV fluids and a repeat chest portable chest x-ray is shown in Figure 4.
Figure 4. Repeat post-operative portable chest x-ray again showing the left basal consolidation which is not markedly different compared to the previous chest x-ray (Figure 3).
However, the following morning the patient developed increasing dyspnea and hypotension. He was re-intubated and started on dobutamine and norepinephrine.
Another portable chest x-ray was performed (Figure 5).
Figure 5. A third post-operative portable chest x-ray again showing an increase in the left basal consolidation.
What should be done at this time? (Click on the correct answer to be directed to the sixth of eight pages)