Which of the following is an early pulmonary sign of fat embolism?

• A. Adventitious breath sounds
• B. Low oxygen saturation without respiratory symptoms
• C. Cough with pink sputum
• D. Wheezing only

Answer: (A)

In fat embolism, droplets lodge in the pulmonary microvasculature, triggering inflammation and edema that disrupt gas exchange. This early pulmonary involvement often shows up as new adventitious breath sounds on auscultation, such as crackles, reflecting edema and atelectasis in the lungs. That’s why adventitious breath sounds are the best choice for an early pulmonary sign. Other options don’t fit as clearly: a drop in oxygen saturation is common but usually comes with noticeable breathing symptoms; coughing with pink sputum suggests pulmonary edema or infection rather than the embolic process in its early stage; wheezing alone points more toward bronchospasm or reactive airway disease rather than the initial embolic occlusion.