title: The bariatric patient: an overview of perioperative care.
abstract: Obesity (ie, a body mass index of ≥30 kg/m(2)) is increasing in the United States. As a result, more overweight individuals are being surgically treated for weight loss, thus making it imperative for perioperative RNs to understand obesity's effects on patients' health, its contribution to significant comorbidities (eg, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, sleep apnea, musculoskeletal issues, stroke), the perioperative care requirements (eg, specialized instruments and equipment, positioning and lifting aids), and unique needs of these patients (eg, diet, counseling). It is vital that the perioperative nurse accurately assesses the patient undergoing bariatric surgery to provide safe and appropriate nursing interventions during the perioperative continuum of care.
authors.forename: Jennifer L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Fencl
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Walsh
authors.forename: Dawn
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vocke
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D050110:Bariatric Surgery; D002648:Child; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000601:surgery*; D019990:Perioperative Care
keywords: bariatric surgery; bariatric surgical patient; obesity; perioperative care