ABSTRACT: Obesity increases anaesthetic risk due to associated co morbidities. Obese patients present a unique set of considerations in the peri- anaesthetic period including drug administration, positioning, changes in monitoring and recovery. Management of stress is key in order to provide the most appropriate care in the pre and post anaesthetic phases. In general, they are likely to have reduced cardiovascular function and are at risk for hypoventilation. It may be prudent to have the patient complete a weight loss regime prior to anaesthesia for routine procedures to reduce anaesthetic risk.

Author

Jennifer Marshall RVN BSc(Hons) PGCert FHEA

Jennifer graduated from Edinburgh Napier University in 2010 with BSc(Hon) in Veterinary Nursing. After qualifying Jennifer worked in first opinion and referral hospitals for 6 years before becoming a senior lecturer in Veterinary Nursing. Jennifer currently enjoys a position as anaesthesia nurse in a university referral hospital.

Email: jennifermarshall1@ed.ac.uk

Keywords: nursing; obesity; anaesthesia; hypoventilation; cardiovascular

To cite this article: Veterinary Nursing Journal • VOL 35 (07)• July 2020 pp202-204

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