Keywords

bariatric, BMI, comorbidities, discrimination, mobility, obesity, overweight, pharmacokinetics, tissue perfusion, ventilation, weight bias

 

Authors

  1. Pritts, Wanda MSN, RN, CNS, CCRN, CEN

Abstract

Abstract: One in four critically ill patients is classified as extremely obese. The bariatric patient presents with a variety of complex physiologic vulnerabilities related to ventilation, tissue perfusion, pharmacokinetics, and mobility. Critical care nurses are uniquely situated to provide safe, compassionate care to these patients.