Working with Bariatric Patients

Question 1

The excessive accumulation of body fat. Except for heavily muscled persons, a body weight 20% over that in standard height-weight tables is arbitrarily considered obesity.

Answer 1

bariatric patient

Question 2

“Generalized edema” with morbid obesity. Gross edema; greater than 3 liters of interstitial fluid in body spaces such as the lungs, around heart, in abdomen). Can lead to respiratory failure, heart failure, renal failure.

Answer 2

Anasarca

Question 3

Definition of “patient of size

Answer 3

patient up to 500 lbs

Question 4

Definition of “patient of significant size”

Answer 4

weights greater than 500 lbs

Question 5

Discuss some functional and hygiene issues related to people with an “apple pannus” fat distribution.

Answer 5

The pannus may obstruct mobility(walking if pannus hangs between thighs), hygiene (toileting, showering), ADLs (dressing)

Question 6

Why is it often so difficult/unhealthy for bariatric patients to lie supine?

Answer 6

It is hard for them to breathe.

Question 7

Which lift does this describe? can be used for dependent patients for w/c, BSC, and bed transfers; supports up to 600 pounds.

Answer 7

Maxi Sky Lift

Question 8

Which lift does this describe? supports up to 420 pounds. Patient must be able to bear weight on at least one leg, follow simple commands, and grip with one hand, undergo mod pressure on low back. *Has therapeutic use as a standing frame or walking device.

Answer 8

Sara Plus

Question 9

List at least 5 benefits of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.

Answer 9

Weight loss, studies suggest reversal of type-2 diabetes, lower the risk of high blood pressure, reduce risk of sleep apnea, and it can be done as a laparoscopic procedure which is not as high risk as an open surgery.
1. Fewer operative risks
2. Produce more weight loss than restrictive surgeries
more effective in reversing the health problems associated with severe obesity
3. Patients feel full after eating about two tablespoons of food
4. Faster recovery

Question 10

What are the primary risks of the Roux-en-Y surgery?

Answer 10

The primary risks can be internal bleeding, blood clots that can travel to heart and lungs, malnutrition as a long-term complication if vitamins are not taken, leakage from the internal surgical site, infection, and death.

Question 11

List at least five adaptive devices or DME that may be used by a bariatric patient.

Answer 11

1. extended capacity toilet or toilet frame
2. extended reacher
3. extended capacity adult diapers or under sheets
4. transfer board
5. bariatric walker (does it have a special name?)

Question 12

What are the steps of an egress test for transfers?

Answer 12

1. One-inch test: lift self one inch off bed
2. Stand up 2 times
3. March in place (at least 3 alternating steps)
4. Step forward and back (3 times)