Two days after undergoing internal fixation of a displaced right femoral fracture sustained during a motor vehicle accident, a 34-year-old woman develops sudden shortness of breath. On examination, she is oriented only to person. Her temperature is 38.3°C (100.9°F), pulse is 122/min, respiratory rate is 31/min, and blood pressure is 152/90 mm Hg. Pulse oximetry on room air shows an oxygen saturation of 83%. There are several scattered petechiae on the anterior chest wall. Her hemoglobin concentration is 10.3 g/dL, leukocyte count is 9,500/mm³, and platelet count is 140,000/mm³. Which of the following is the most likely cause of her current condition?
- A)Platelet thrombus obstructing the pulmonary artery
- B)Fat globules entering the circulationGABARITO
- C)Rupture of a coronary plaque
- D)Damage to the alveolar capillary endothelium
- E)Uncontrolled release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum
Explicação
Fat globules entering the circulation cause fat emboli, which should be suspected in any patient with sudden onset of petechial rash, respiratory failure, and neurological symptoms within 12 to 72 hours of sustaining a long bone fracture or undergoing orthoped... Ver explicação completa e trilha adaptativa →