Fat embolism syndrome commonly presents with which vital sign combination?

• A. Hypotension and bradycardia
• B. Tachycardia and tachypnea
• C. Hypoglycemia and hypothermia
• D. Hypertension and tachycardia

Answer: (B)

Fat embolism syndrome causes early signs that reflect lung involvement and the body’s inflammatory response. Fat droplets in the pulmonary capillaries lead to breathing difficulty and hypoxemia, so the body responds with rapid, shallow breathing (tachypnea). At the same time, the stress and low oxygen drive the heart to beat faster (tachycardia) to try to maintain tissue oxygen delivery. This combination of quick breathing and a fast heart rate is typical. The other options don’t fit as well because hypotension, bradycardia, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, or hypertension with tachycardia aren’t the characteristic early vital sign pair for fat embolism syndrome.