Intraoperative positioning and care of the obese patient.
The perioperative nurse involved in the intraoperative care of the obese patient is faced with numerous issues and challenges. As a growing number of these patients present for medical care, the nurse must consider the special positioning needs for surgery and the equipment needed to promote the safest environment for the patient. This article addresses positioning considerations for the obese patient and special equipment needs and selection in the operating room.
Dybec
Robert B
RB
Winthrop-University Hospital, Mineola, Long Island, New York, USA. RDybec@optonline.net
D001513:Beds; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004865:Equipment and Supplies, Hospital; D006804:Ergonomics; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing; D017770:Lifting; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing* / Q000601:surgery; D009871:Operating Room Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011187:Posture; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D012449:Safety; D014187:Transportation of Patients / Q000379:methods