Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE) 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

A fat embolism occurs when fat globules enter the bloodstream and cause vascular obstruction, which can lead to significant complications, particularly within the lungs and brain. This condition is most commonly associated with trauma to long bones. When a fracture occurs in a long bone, such as the femur, the bone marrow can release fat droplets into the circulation. These fat globules can then travel through the bloodstream, leading to blockages in small vessels.

In contrast, trauma to the liver may lead to other types of complications, but it is not typically associated with fat embolism. Similarly, excessive fat intake can lead to various health issues, such as obesity and metabolic syndrome, but it does not directly cause fat globules to enter the bloodstream in a manner relevant to fat embolism. Lastly, the breakdown of muscle tissue may release fatty acids, but this process is generally more related to the metabolism and not to the formation of fat globules that could lead to an embolic event like the one described. Thus, the correct answer focuses specifically on the mechanism of fat release from long bone injury, which is the primary cause of fat embolism syndrome.