Fat embolism is a major complication of a client with a fractured femur. What assessment finding would alert the nurse to the possibility of this complication occurring?
1. Ecchymosis on lower extremities
2. Blood-tinged sputum
3. Complaints of bone pain
4. Complaints of muscle spasms.
Answer: 2
Fat emboli, which are made up of lipase and fatty acids, can cause an inflammatory response in the lungs with blood-stained sputum, condition may progress to pulmonary edema with severe hypoxia. Petechiae on the chest may occur and are a classic sign of fat emboli; however, it is a late sign. Ecchymosis on the lower extremities is not an indication of fat emboli. The client is already experiencing bone pain from the fracture.
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