Which of the following patients is at highest risk for developing a pulmonary embolus?
A) 36-year-old woman with a history of alcohol abuse who is recovering from a gastric ulcer
B) 21-year-old male with a hemophilia bleeding disorder
C) 72-year-old male who is recovering from hip replacement surgery in the hospital
D) 28-year-old woman who had a baby 6 months earlier

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Patients who have undergone major surgery, especially orthopedic surgeries like hip replacement, are at the highest risk for developing a pulmonary embolus due to immobility and stasis of blood in the legs, which can lead to the formation of blood clots that may dislodge and travel to the lungs. The other options may also have risk factors for pulmonary embolus, but not as high as a post-surgical patient.

Which of the Following Patients Is at Highest Risk for Developing