The Impact of Obesity on Nursing in America

Obesity and Nursing in America

Obesity is currently the number one health risk in America. A growing epidemic that threatens the health care system, obesity is forcing changes in equipment and care in hospitals. Reports show one third of American adults are overweight or obese, and 17% of teenagers are in the same category. This is a disturbing trend that is putting added strain on the healthcare system, not only due to issues of accommodation for these patients, but because of the diseases and illnesses stimulated by obesity.

Children at Extreme Obesity Risk

Childhood obesity is becoming more prominent in North America. This is of growing concern as evidence shows children who are obese are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease in early adulthood. Individuals who are overweight are far more likely to suffer from heart disease and stroke, even if they do not have high blood pressure. Doctors do not treat children for their weight unless they have hypertension. Currently, the Strategies to Overcome and Prevent Obesity Alliance (STOP) is fighting for hospital reform that will address these issues and treat obesity in children before they develop diseases and disorders that threaten their lives.

Studies have shown that excess weight can lead to cancer, diabetes, heart disease, joint disorders, and a number of other ailments. Obesity has accounted for approximately $150 billion in spending annually, the equivalent of 9.1% of annual health spending nation wide. Money is channeled towards prescription drugs to treat disorders associated with obesity, hospital visits, and surgeries, many of which could have been avoided through healthy lifestyle changes.

Unhealthy Food Choices in our Hospitals

Unfortunately, a number of U.S. hospitals have fast food vendors located within their walls, either replacing the cafeteria or supplementing it. Even if fast food is not available, many of these hospitals are outfitted with vending machines that offer high-sodium, high-sugar, and high-fat snacks such as chips and candy bars. This is a problem not only for the patients seeking treatment, but also for the medical personnel who are employed by the hospital. Long shifts and easy access to a vending machine may be a quick fix, but these choices are not benefiting patients or staff. Hospital staff, and the patients they care for, should be surrounded by healthy food choices that will not be a detriment to their health or functioning.

Obtaining Health Insurance

Overweight American citizens may have trouble obtaining health insurance due to pre-existing health problems. Diabetics and those with cardiovascular issues could potentially be paying out of pocket for necessary procedures or medication. Without an overhaul of the healthcare system, this could result in thousands of Americans unable to treat their disorders. This could leave them without the support to improve their lifestyles and adopt healthier alternatives.

Education

The education system may be partially at fault for the obesity epidemic sweeping the nation. Just as hospitals are outfitted with vending machines and fast food vendors, education facilities are guilty of this as well. Teaching children the value of a healthy lifestyle will keep them on track for the rest of their lives. Schools play a valuable role in engaging children in sports and physical activity. By combining these elements with healthy choices in the school cafeteria, the future of American health, and the healthcare system, will look a lot brighter.

Nursing challenges

How do nurses, doctors, and hospital staff cope with the increasing demands in the hospital from the number of overweight patients? Nurses face a variety of challenges when treating obese patients, and are often required to alter their treatment. Tasks that are normally easily performed become exceedingly difficult in patients who weigh over 350 pounds. Turning, physical assessment, pharmacology, bathing, and transport all require altered techniques. Nurses need to be especially careful they do not injure themselves, or their patients, during treatment.

Most hospital equipment is designed for patients under 350 pounds. Hospitals have no choice but to invest in equipment more suited to obese patients, such as larger examination tables and wider arm cuffs for blood pressure readings. Scales for measuring weight are normally accurate to just over 350 pounds. Patients who weigh more than this will require the use of a bariatric scale in order to obtain a correct reading.

Nurses must alter their techniques when treating obese patients. Small tasks such as measuring heart rate often involves time and patience. Listening to bowel or breath sounds will take longer than normal in patients who are overweight. Those who battle with obesity face severe mobility issues, which of course affects their ability to use restrooms. People with larger abdomens are often incapable of relieving themselves without assistance and the excess pressure placed on the body's internal organs can result in urinal and fecal incontinence. Nurses need to be sensitive to these issues, and consulting the patient's family members can help immensely with constructing a care regime.

Obese patients are at risk for developing pressure ulcers. This issue, and the increase in obese patient's in American hospitals, has driven the medical centers to purchase beds that are constructed to handle heavier patients and to reduce the probability of ulcers forming. Traditional beds can support patients up to 350 pounds, and specialty pressure-relieving surface beds are capable of supporting patients from 800-1000 pounds, and help to prevent the formation of pressure ulcers. The cost is considerable for these beds, but hospitals are forced to weigh these costs for the purpose of treating their patients.

Nurses should be examining a patient's skin for abnormalities, lesions, especially where there are prominent folds. Overweight patients typically lack nutrients in their diets that aid in the healing process resulting in longer hospital stays. Increased pressure on the edges of wounds from body fat lengthen recovery time. Wounds located under skin folds are susceptible to infection and bacterial growth. Because of their nutritional deficiencies, it is of paramount importance to assess the nutrients that are missing from the patient's diet and to discuss a plan that will ensure proper intake of essential vitamins and minerals.

There are a number of surgeries and treatments for obesity, or the various diseases and illnesses that accompany it. Respiratory disorders, such as sleep apnea, are often triggered by excessive weight. While treatment could include the use of a respirator, this is not always convenient or acceptable to the patient, and surgery must be scheduled instead.

The respiratory, skin, cardiovascular, and other disorders associated with obesity, are troubling realities for hospitals. Equipment and medical care are undergoing alterations, but this will not prevent the numbers of obese patients from climbing. With changes to personal lifestyle, the nation will become healthier, active, and live long and prosper.