19 - Nursing considerations

Summary

This chapter provides a guide for those caring for individuals of size during their hospital stay. Peri-operative and medical/surgical nurse managers should provide in-depth education and training prior to assigning a nurse to this patient population. Nursing care after bariatric surgery entails all the routine post-operative assessment that a prudent skilled nurse would perform on any patient who has just undergone abdominal surgery. It is important that the nursing staff understand the patient's complete clinical and medical history to ensure appropriate nutritional support. Hospital caregivers assuming responsibility for morbidly obese (MO) patients should attend an empathy training course. Awareness and responsiveness to special needs are important. The nurse should be aware that the patient may not ask for help when they need it, or make requests for other special needs. Treating this population with competence, safety, and compassion can make a significant difference to the patient's hospital experience.