Blood pressure and the obese

Abstract

With the prevalence of obesity escalating globally, an increasing number of patients who are obese are seeking elective or requiring emergency surgery. Certified registered nurse anesthetists are challenged to provide vigilant, safe care. The ability to provide supportive therapy and make anesthetic adjustments is often hindered with obesity. Although technological advancements may enhance patient care delivery, health care providers must question why and how specific tasks are performed. Health care providers should challenge themselves to acquire and evaluate current evidence that enables communication with colleagues, dissemination of findings to health care providers worldwide, and implementation of evidence-based practice.

Keywords: Blood pressure; Forearm; Obesity; Oscillometric; Technology in operating room.