Fat Embolism Syndrome
& Osteomyelitis
Med Surg: Musculoskeletal
Fat Embolism - Pathophysiology
Fat Embolism Syndrome is a major complication with
crushing fractures & long bone injuries (femur, pelvic
& hip fractures) The bones release fat globules into the
bloodstream & just like a blood clot, this fat emboli could
cause a deadly blockage in the brain (CVA), heart (MI),
or lung.
Signs & Symptoms
Intervention KAPLAN
KEY SIGNS Minimize movement of the fracture An older adult client is diagnosed with a
ractured femur. The nurse recognizes which
bservation is an early sign of fat embolism?
Mental Status changes NCLEX TIP
1. Confusion and restlessness #1 MOST TESTED
2. Altered mental status Saunder’s
STOP
O₂
Dyspnea & chest pain .. the most favorable indication of
resolution of the fat embolism?
Low pulse ox Clear mentation
Petechiae over neck & chest
Bone infection, caused by a bacteria that enters the blood via:
• Open fracture
• After surgery
• Puncture wound like a dog bite
• Contaminated needles like with a bone marrow aspiration.
Signs & Symptoms:
high fever, pai uncture site.
Kaplan Question
Several days following a bone marrow
aspiration, the nurse notes a client
has a temperature of 103° F (39.5° C),
and there is yellow drainage from the
aspiration site. Which interpretation
by the nurse is most accurate?
● The client has developed
osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis - Treatment
IV antibiotics for weeks or months, Surgical debridement to drain any Amputation may be done if not
so clients will go home with a PICC abscesses & to remove necrotic responsive to therapy.
line & a nurse will visit to give the dead bone tissue.
IV antibiotics.
& Osteomyelitis
Med Surg: Musculoskeletal
Fat Embolism - Pathophysiology
Fat Embolism Syndrome is a major complication with
crushing fractures & long bone injuries (femur, pelvic
& hip fractures) The bones release fat globules into the
bloodstream & just like a blood clot, this fat emboli could
cause a deadly blockage in the brain (CVA), heart (MI),
or lung.
Signs & Symptoms
Intervention KAPLAN
KEY SIGNS Minimize movement of the fracture An older adult client is diagnosed with a
ractured femur. The nurse recognizes which
bservation is an early sign of fat embolism?
Mental Status changes NCLEX TIP
1. Confusion and restlessness #1 MOST TESTED
2. Altered mental status Saunder’s
STOP
O₂
Dyspnea & chest pain .. the most favorable indication of
resolution of the fat embolism?
Low pulse ox Clear mentation
Petechiae over neck & chest
Bone infection, caused by a bacteria that enters the blood via:
• Open fracture
• After surgery
• Puncture wound like a dog bite
• Contaminated needles like with a bone marrow aspiration.
Signs & Symptoms:
high fever, pai uncture site.
Kaplan Question
Several days following a bone marrow
aspiration, the nurse notes a client
has a temperature of 103° F (39.5° C),
and there is yellow drainage from the
aspiration site. Which interpretation
by the nurse is most accurate?
● The client has developed
osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis - Treatment
IV antibiotics for weeks or months, Surgical debridement to drain any Amputation may be done if not
so clients will go home with a PICC abscesses & to remove necrotic responsive to therapy.
line & a nurse will visit to give the dead bone tissue.
IV antibiotics.
