Review Question - QID 214722

A 52-year-old woman complains of a “tingling” sensation in her right leg in the postoperative surgical unit 2 hours after undergoing an abdominal hysterectomy for uterine fibroids. The operation was without complications. She points to her right thigh and calf when asked where she feels the sensation. She has a history of diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia but denies any history of neurologic or musculoskeletal disorders. She takes metformin and atorvastatin daily. Her mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at a young age. Her temperature is 98.6°F (37.0°C), blood pressure is 125/70 mmHg, pulse is 80/min, and respirations are 16/min. On physical examination, she has decreased sensation to pinprick and light touch on the anteromedial right thigh and medial lower right leg. There is 2/5 strength on right hip flexion and knee extension. Popliteal, femoral, and dorsalis pedis pulses are 2+ bilaterally. The patellar reflex is decreased on the right. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient’s symptoms?