During a follow-up physical exam 24 hours after admission for a broken leg, you notice your 65-yearold patient is breathing rapidly and seems disoriented. Pulses are palpable in both lower...

During a follow-up physical exam 24 hours after admission for a broken leg, you notice your 65-yearold patient is breathing rapidly and seems disoriented. Pulses are palpable in both lower extremities, and no erythema, warmth, or swelling is evident. Her medications include heparin. Which is more likely—a pulmonary thromboembolism from a deep venous thrombosis or a fat embolism? Why?