title: Handling of the bariatric patient in critical care: a case study of lessons learned.
abstract: Bariatric admissions across the United States (US) are increasing at an alarming rate. The obesity epidemic costs the US health care system $70 billion per year. Many bariatric surgical and medical patients are admitted to critical care units. The mortality risks for these patients compared with non-bariatric patients is up to 2:1. Managing these patients is a challenge to health care nursing personnel. Patient size, care required, equipment technology, availability, and environmental space can increase risk for injury for nursing personnel and patients. The Health Sciences Center in Winnipeg shares a case study of an admission of a 697-lb patient, reviewing lessons learned, techniques, equipment, and difficulties.
authors.affiliation: Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA), Occupational and Environmental Safety & Health Unit, Health Sciences Centre Site, 820 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3A 1R9, Canada. mmuir@hsc.mb.ca
authors.forename: Marylou
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Muir
authors.forename: Gail Archer
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Heese
authors.forename: Daria
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: McLean
authors.forename: Sheila
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bodnar
authors.forename: Betty Lou
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Rock
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D050110:Bariatric Surgery / Q000451:nursing*; D001510:Bed Rest / Q000451:nursing; D003422:Critical Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003663:Decision Trees; D006804:Ergonomics / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017770:Lifting / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008350:Manitoba; D008370:Manuals as Topic; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000451:nursing* / Q000601:surgery; D016272:Occupational Health; D016134:Organizational Policy; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000451:nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011340:Problem Solving; D017751:Safety Management / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014187:Transportation of Patients / Q000379:methods