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

Multiple Choice

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?

A) Sudden onset of asthma
B) Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema
C) Pneumonia
D) Pulmonary embolism