Which patient is at the highest risk for a pulmonary embolism?

A 71-year-old male with recent surgery to a lower extremity is at the highest risk for a pulmonary embolism due to several factors commonly associated with this condition. Pulmonary embolism often occurs when a blood clot, typically originating from the deep veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT), dislodges and travels to the lungs.

Recent surgical procedures, especially those involving the lower extremities, increase the risk of thrombus formation. This can be due to prolonged immobility during recovery, which can lead to stagnation of blood flow and the development of clots. Additionally, older age is a risk factor, as the likelihood of vascular issues and slower blood flow increases with age.

In this scenario, the combination of recent surgery and the patient's age heightens the risk compared to the other patients presented. For instance, while pneumonia recovery or being active with a history of hypertension may pose risks, they are not as closely linked to pulmonary embolism as the recent surgery combined with age. The patient who is on blood thinners may actually have a decreased risk, as these medications help prevent clot formation. Thus, this patient profile makes the individual with recent lower extremity surgery the one most likely to develop a