It would not be unusual for a person to score a 13 out of 15 on the Glasgow Coma Scale soon after general anesthesia. Likewise, it may not be unusual for a patient with COPD to have a lower than normal blood oxygen saturation. Lastly, any surgery that disturbs the intestines can temporarily cause ileus (with absent or hypoactive bowel sounds). Indeed, ileus is an expected consequence of abdominal surgery and should resolve within two days. What is not normal is stridor. Stridor may be caused by post-extubation laryngeal edema—the area around the endotracheal tube swells and blocks airflow. This can lead to respiratory failure if undiagnosed and untreated.