A 45-year-old female undergoes an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. On post-operative day 3, she develops a fever of 101.5°F (38.6°C), mild abdominal pain, and leukocytosis. Her lungs are clear, and her surgical wound appears clean. Which of the following is the most likely cause of her fever?

The correct answer to the question "A 45-year-old female undergoes an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. On post-operative day 3, she develops a fever of 101.5°F (38.6°C), mild abdominal pain, and leukocytosis. Her lungs are clear, and her surgical wound appears clean. Which of the following is the most likely cause of her fever?" is Option C: Surgical site infection (SSI)..

The other options — A) Deep venous thrombosis (DVT)., B) Atelectasis., D) Urinary tract infection (UTI). — are incorrect for this USMLE Exam Prep question. As explained above: Post-operative fever on day 3 with new abdominal pain and leukocytosis, especially after abdominal surgery, strongly suggests a surgical site infection (e.g., intra-abdominal abscess). Atelectasis ty…