Fat embolism

Etiology / Pathophysiology

• Fat droplets enter circulation after long bone or pelvic fracture.
• Fat emboli affect lungs, brain, and skin microcirculation.

Medications

No specific medication class was seeded for this card.

Nursing actions

• Assess sudden respiratory distress, confusion, and petechial rash after fracture.
• Support oxygenation and notify provider rapidly.
• Prevent by immobilizing fractures early.

Complications

• ARDS
• Neurologic impairment
• Shock

NCLEX cues

• Respiratory distress 24-72 hours after fracture plus petechiae.
• Oxygenation priority.

Memory hooks

• Fat embolism: lungs, brain, petechiae.

Labs / Diagnostics

• Trend assessment findings and ordered diagnostics; verify exact values with school source material.

Review notes

• Session-derived study seed. Verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy before relying on details.