Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Practice Exam

Which of the following are signs and symptoms of fat emboli?

1. High fever and abdominal pain

2. Tachypnea, tachycardia, SOB, neuro changes, and petechial rash on chest and neck

3. Severe headaches and dizziness

4. Fluid retention and swelling in the legs

The correct answer is: Tachypnea, tachycardia, SOB, neuro changes, and petechial rash on chest and neck

The signs and symptoms of fat emboli are characterized by a combination of respiratory distress, cardiovascular changes, neurological alterations, and distinctive skin manifestations. In this context, the presence of tachypnea (rapid breathing), tachycardia (increased heart rate), shortness of breath (SOB), neurological changes (which may include confusion, decreased consciousness, or changes in mental status), and a petechial rash on the chest and neck is indicative of fat embolism syndrome. These symptoms arise from the obstruction of small blood vessels by fat globules that may enter the systemic circulation, often following a fracture or trauma. The other options do not accurately reflect the typical presentation of fat emboli. High fever and abdominal pain may suggest other conditions, such as infections or gastrointestinal issues. Severe headaches and dizziness might indicate other neurological conditions or a different kind of embolism. Lastly, fluid retention and swelling in the legs are more characteristic of heart failure or venous insufficiency rather than fat emboli, which mainly affects the pulmonary and neurological systems. Understanding these distinctions aids in recognizing fat embolism and effectively differentiating it from other medical conditions.