WANT THE MOST CURRENT QUESTIONS SENT TO YOU? SIGNUP:
[jetpack_subscription_form]
[sm-youtube-subscribe]
CORRECT ANSWER:
D) Femur fracture
MORE INFO:
-
A fat embolism is a complication from closed fractures.
-
This happens especially in patient who have had major trauma patients (1).
-
Most commonly associated with long bones.
-
Long bones and pelvis are the most common places.
-
Fat embolism can lead to fat embolism syndrome.
-
These individuals usually develop respiratory distress. And petechial rash is commonly seen.
-
Fat emboli syndrome is more commonly seen in closed than open fractures (2).
-
The key take away here is that if you are taking care of a patient with a long bone fracture know that fat emboli can occur and that respiratory & petechial rash are common findings (altered mental status is another).
-
A petechial rash usually develops on “upper body, particularly in the axillae, within 24-36 hours of insult or injury. These petechiae rashes occur in 20-50%”-Emedicine.
REFERENCES:
- 1) Medscape. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/460524-overview X-ray picture above is; mid-shaft humeral compound comminuted fx lat
- 2) http://www.japi.org/april2008/R-245.pdf
- 3) Picture Source Author Bill Rhodes from Asheville
