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The ABCDs of Managing Morbidly Obese Patients in Intensive Care Units

Luis A Berrios1

  • 1Luis A. Berrios is the director of nonphysician practitioners at Baptist Health System, San Antonio, Texas, and the chief of education and training and senior critical care nurse, 433rd Medical Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio, Lackland, Texas. luis.berrios@baptisthealthsystem.com luisberrios.np@gmail.com.

Critical Care Nurse
|October 4, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Obesity affects over a third of US adults and 17% of youth, incurring significant healthcare costs. Critical care nurses need to understand unique patient needs and guidelines for managing obesity using the ABCD approach.

Area of Science:

  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Obesity prevalence is high in the US adult (over 33%) and youth (17%) populations.
  • Obesity is linked to substantial annual healthcare expenditures exceeding $147 billion.
  • Critical care nurses require specialized knowledge for patients with a body mass index (BMI) over 30.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline essential considerations for critical care nurses managing obese and morbidly obese patients.
  • To introduce the ABCD approach for comprehensive care of critically ill obese patients.

Main Methods:

  • The ABCD approach synthesizes key clinical concepts for managing critically ill obese patients.
  • Key areas include airway/breathing management, nurse safety, bias awareness, circulation, skin integrity, pharmacology, diagnostics, nutrition, and equipment.

Main Results:

  • The ABCD approach provides a framework for addressing the multifaceted challenges of obesity in critical care.
  • It highlights the need for tailored strategies in medication, diagnostics, and patient handling.
  • Emphasis is placed on preventing complications like skin breakdown and nurse injuries.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management of critically ill obese patients requires a structured approach like ABCD.
  • Nurses must be aware of physiological differences, potential biases, and specific care requirements.
  • Adopting the ABCD approach can improve patient outcomes and nursing practice in critical care settings.

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