Trauma Complications
A 24-year-old man is admitted following a motorcycle accident with bilateral femoral shaft fractures. He undergoes external fixation on day 1. On day 2, he becomes confused, develops respiratory distress (O2 saturation 88% on room air), and nursing staff notice a petechial rash across his chest and conjunctivae. Regarding fat embolism syndrome:
Mark each as TRUE or FALSE
Fat embolism syndrome (FES) classically presents 24-72 hours post-injury with the triad of respirato...
Pathophysiology involves both mechanical (fat globules obstruct pulmonary vasculature) and biochemic...
Fat embolism syndrome only occurs in isolated injuries; respiratory symptoms are uncommon; petechial...
Treatment is supportive with supplemental oxygen, respiratory support (including mechanical ventilat...
Prevention strategies include early stabilization of long bone fractures, limiting intramedullary pr...
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Click T (True) or F (False) for each option