Perianesthesia Respiratory Care of the Bariatric Patient
Our nation’s obesity problem has reached epidemic proportions and is only projected to worsen. The morbidly obese patient is at risk for experiencing a multitude of health-related conditions. Morbidly obese patients are presenting for surgery at an increasing rate, especially with the growing popularity of weight-loss surgery. Therefore the perianesthesia nurse has to remain informed of optimal care strategies for this sometimes challenging population. The obese patient presents with distinct respiratory care considerations of which the perianesthesia nurse must be knowledgeable. This review article will specifically focus on the respiratory care of the bariatric patient presenting for surgery.
Address correspondence to Rex A. Marley, MS, CRNA, RRT, Chief Nurse Anesthetist, Northern Colorado Anesthesia Professional Consultants, 1236 East Elizabeth Street, Suite 3, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Editor’s note: Assessing respiratory effectiveness is a fundamental perianesthesia skill. Underlying disease renders the assessment more complex. Since the 1980s, asthma is more prevalent and obesity is rampant. Today’s assessment is coupled with supportive intervention, borne of technology; this masterpiece is crafted by these 3 authors. Rex Marley has been involved with JoPAN for years, on the peer review panel during the O’Brien/Carlson editorial years and later as author and guest editor for subsequent editors.
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