Correct!
4. 1 and 3
The most likely causes of her shortness of breath after a myectomy is fluid overload but this seems inconsistent with her fluid status. Pneumothorax is a consideration as is cardiac tamponade. Cardiac catherization is not indicated. Chest radiography (Figure 1) and bedside ultrasound were performed (Figure 2).
Figure 1. Portable chest radiograph.
Figure 2. A: Static image from bedside ultrasound. Posterior chest, left side. B: Static image from bedside ultrasound. Left apical view. Lower left: video of bedside ultrasound posterior chest. Lower right: video of bedside ultrasound left apical view.
Her inferior vena cava was slightly enlarged at 1.9 cm (normal 1.2-1.7 cm).
What is the cause of the patient’s shortness of breath? (Click on the correct answer to proceed to the seventh and final page)