Chapter 14, The Obese Trauma Patient Flashcards
What are the 3 categories of obesity?
Class 1: BMI 30 - < 35
Class 2: BMI 35 - < 40
Class 3: BMI ≥ 40
What preparations are needed to care for the obese trauma patient?
Equipment in a variety of appropriate sizes.
What consideration must be made for the obese trauma patient related to their airway?
They are at high risk for gastric reflux or aspiration.
What position will benefit the patient in terms of both airway maintenance and work of breathing?
Reverse Trendelenburg.
What is the ramped position used during intubation on the obese patient?
Head elevated
External auditory canal parallel with the sternal notch.
What positions may help the obese patient with breathing and ventilation?
Upright position.
Reverse Trendelenburg at 25 degrees.
What should volume resuscitation be based on for the obese trauma patient?
Their Ideal Body Weight.
What is the concern with a blood pressure cuff that is too small?
Can produce a false high reading.
Where should precordial ECG leads be placed on the obese patient?
Under the breast tissue.
What is contraindicated for a patient who has recently had a bariatric surgery?
Blind placement of a nasogastric or orogastric tube.
What is an important History consideration for the obese trauma patient?
Current weight and height.
What adjunct may be needed to assess peripheral pulses on an obese patient?
Doppler ultrasound.
Which obese patients require a pregnancy test?
All obese females of childbearing age who have not had a hysterectomy or tubal ligation.
