Fracture complications: fat embolism: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Orthopaedics · Fracture complications: fat embolism

Sample item

A young man with a femoral shaft fracture develops breathlessness, confusion and petechiae over the chest and axillae 36 hours after injury. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Fat embolism syndrome

Fat embolism syndrome typically appears 24 to 72 hours after long bone fracture with the triad of hypoxaemia, neurological changes and a petechial rash. Management is supportive, with early fracture stabilisation to reduce risk.

Option by option

  • A. Pneumonia

    Pneumonia would not give petechiae and early neurological change.

  • B. Acute myocardial infarction

    Myocardial infarction does not explain the petechial rash.

  • C. Fat embolism syndrome (correct)

    Correct. The timing and triad point to fat embolism.

  • D. Pulmonary embolism due to deep vein thrombosis

    Pulmonary embolism rarely causes petechiae and confusion this early.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is C, Fat embolism syndrome. Fat embolism syndrome typically appears 24 to 72 hours after long bone fracture with the triad of hypoxaemia, neurological changes and a petechial rash.

Why is "Pneumonia" not the answer?

Pneumonia would not give petechiae and early neurological change.

Why is "Acute myocardial infarction" not the answer?

Myocardial infarction does not explain the petechial rash.

Why is "Pulmonary embolism due to deep vein thrombosis" not the answer?

Pulmonary embolism rarely causes petechiae and confusion this early.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fracture complications: fat embolism in Orthopaedics. Management is supportive, with early fracture stabilisation to reduce risk.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Fracture complications: fat embolism?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.