Special Care - bariatric patients Flashcards
What is a bariatric person?
an individual of any age who has health and social limitations due to physical size, health, mobility and environmental access.
is obesity a disability?
no
- however associated conditions may lead to disability.
What is the BMI of overweigtht people?
≥ 25kg/m2
What is the BMI of obese people?
≥ 30kg/m2
What are the limitations of BMI?
doesn’t assess fat distribution
doesn’t take into account factors such as age, sex, ethnicity or muscle mass
what factors cause obesity?
genetics - prader Willi = excess hunger lifestyle choices medications - steroids socioeconomic status physical limitations to exercise/movement
what are barriers to travel for bariatric patients?
do they need ambulance transport?
- this only transports to hospitals so can’t visit a GDP
what are barriers to accessibility for bariatric patients?
chairs cannot bear the weight
chairs are not wide enough
doors are not wide enough
no ramps or lifts - can’t walk the stairs
no space for wheelchair access
what are barriers for safety of bariatric patients? (3)
difficult airway management
unable to get them into the recovery position
harder to identify resuscitation landmarks
what are common co-morbidities with bariatric patients? (5)
GORD Hypertension sleep apnoea dyspnoea diabetes
what are barriers to treating bariatric patients?
extra weight around the face = loss of anatomical landmarks - large tongue and cheeks
unable to get them into a supine position
= hyperaemia when lying flat
long procedures can cause oedema, compartment syndrome
excessive fat causes problems with pharmacological absorption
What are dental implications for bariatric patients? (3)
Higher caries risk
Poorer wound healing
Tooth wear from the associated GORD
What types of sedation can be carried out on bariatric patients in the GDP setting?
inhalation = yes
IV = no GA = no
