**Core Concept**
A pulmonary contusion is a type of lung injury caused by blunt trauma, resulting in hemorrhage and consolidation of lung tissue. This condition can lead to impaired gas exchange, hypoxemia, and potentially severe respiratory compromise.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer will be one of the options that does not accurately describe a characteristic or consequence of pulmonary contusion. Pulmonary contusion is characterized by hemorrhage and consolidation of lung tissue, which can lead to impaired gas exchange and hypoxemia. Additionally, patients with pulmonary contusion may experience respiratory distress, pneumothorax, or acute respiratory failure.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because pulmonary contusion can indeed cause hypoxemia due to impaired gas exchange.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because pulmonary contusion can lead to respiratory distress, which may require mechanical ventilation.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect because pulmonary contusion can cause pneumothorax, a complication that requires immediate medical attention.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key distinguishing feature of pulmonary contusion is the presence of hemorrhage and consolidation on chest imaging, whereas pulmonary edema typically shows a more diffuse pattern of ground-glass opacification.

**Correct Answer: D**