Respiratory Care of the Morbidly Obese Patient
Michael A. Gentile RRT FAARC FCCM

Approximately two thirds of US adults are overweight or obese.1 Overweight may be defined as a body mass index (BMI) 25–29.9 kg/m2, obesity >30 kg/m2 and morbid obesity refers to those with a BMI >40 kg/m2. BMI is not an ideal measure of body weight distribution because it includes muscle, but it is a universally accepted measurement, useful and simple to apply. The prevalence of obesity is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide. Many public health experts consider obesity an epidemic, with a 10% increase in prevalence as compared with the previous decade. Also alarming is that childhood obesity rates have nearly tripled since 1980, from 6.5% to 16.3%.2

Tracheotomy in the Obese Patient
Tim Op’t Holt, EdD, RRT, AE-C, FAARC

Obesity is defined by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a body mass index (BMI) of > 40 or > 35 with life-threatening comorbidities.1 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30) continues to be a health concern for adults, children and adolescents in the United States. Data from the most recent NHANES survey shows that among adult men, the prevalence of obesity was 31.1% in 2003—2004, and 33.3% in 2005—2006, a small and not significant change.2 Among adult women, the prevalence of obesity in 2003—2004 was 33.2%, and in 2005—2006 was 35.3%, again a small and not significant change. Obesity represents a significant challenge to the healthcare system, particularly when the patient requires mechanical ventilation.

Respiratory Care of the Morbidly Obese Patient
Michael A. Gentile RRT FAARC FCCM

Approximately two thirds of US adults are overweight or obese.1 Overweight may be defined as a body mass index (BMI) 25–29.9 kg/m2, obesity >30 kg/m2 and morbid obesity refers to those with a BMI >40 kg/m2. BMI is not an ideal measure of body weight distribution because it includes muscle, but it is a universally accepted measurement, useful and simple to apply. The prevalence of obesity is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide. Many public health experts consider obesity an epidemic, with a 10% increase in prevalence as compared with the previous decade. Also alarming is that childhood obesity rates have nearly tripled since 1980, from 6.5% to 16.3%.2

Tracheotomy in the Obese Patient
Tim Op’t Holt, EdD, RRT, AE-C, FAARC

Obesity is defined by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a body mass index (BMI) of > 40 or > 35 with life-threatening comorbidities.1 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30) continues to be a health concern for adults, children and adolescents in the United States. Data from the most recent NHANES survey shows that among adult men, the prevalence of obesity was 31.1% in 2003—2004, and 33.3% in 2005—2006, a small and not significant change.2 Among adult women, the prevalence of obesity in 2003—2004 was 33.2%, and in 2005—2006 was 35.3%, again a small and not significant change. Obesity represents a significant challenge to the healthcare system, particularly when the patient requires mechanical ventilation.

Get Help from the Experts: Preventing Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI)

Urinary tract infections account for approximately 40% of all hospital-acquired infections annually and fully 80% of these can be attributed to indwelling urethral catheters. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) put into effect a new rule that states that, if a patient develops a CAUTI while hospitalized, the hospital will not be reimbursed for the UTI complication. 

Perspectives has assembled a panel of experts in epidemiology, infection control and nursing to help you reduce the levels of CAUTI at your facility. Here’s how.