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AACN CCRN-Adult Exam - Topic 2 Question 22 Discussion
Topic #: 2
A patient is admitted with a femoral shaft fracture and an oblique fracture of three ribs on the right side. The patient suddenly reports shortness of breath. Assessment reveals new-onset headache, central and peripheral cyanosis, and petechiae of the neck and anterior chest wall. Available data are:
The nurse should suspect the development of
The patient's clinical presentation and recent history of femoral shaft and rib fractures are highly suggestive of a fat embolism syndrome (FES). FES typically occurs after long bone fractures and is characterized by sudden onset of respiratory distress, neurological symptoms, and petechial rash, which aligns with the new-onset headache, central and peripheral cyanosis, and petechiae of the neck and anterior chest wall observed in this patient. The fat emboli originate from the bone marrow and enter the bloodstream, traveling to the lungs and other organs, leading to respiratory and systemic symptoms. Reference: =
CCRN (Adult) Certification Review Course Online: Pulmonary Embolism and Fat Embolism.
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). (2024). CCRN Exam Handbook. Retrieved from AACN CCRN Exam Handbook
Adult CCRN/CCRN-E/CCRN-K Certification Review Course Online. AACN
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