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Question: 1 / 400

Fat embolism is generally associated with which of the following?

Early tachycardia

Fever

Non palpable petechiae

All of the above

Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a clinical condition that can occur after fractures, particularly of long bones, or after certain surgical procedures. It is characterized by the presence of fat globules in the bloodstream, leading to a variety of symptoms.

The presence of early tachycardia can be attributed to the body's response to the fat particles in the circulation, which can trigger a systemic inflammatory response, resulting in increased heart rate.

Fever can also occur in fat embolism syndrome due to the inflammatory response elicited by the fat globules, which can lead to an elevation in temperature as the body attempts to combat the perceived threat.

Non-palpable petechiae, particularly around the conjunctiva or oral mucosa, can appear as a hallmark sign of fat embolism. These are small, pinpoint hemorrhages that result from the effects of fat globules on the small blood vessels.

Given these associations, it is clear that all of these symptoms—early tachycardia, fever, and non-palpable petechiae—are interconnected and can present collectively in the clinical picture of fat embolism syndrome, which is why the choice that includes all of them is accurate.

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