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Review
. 2023 Sep-Oct;50(5):365-374.
doi: 10.1097/WON.0000000000001010.

Good Things Don't Always Come in Small Packages: Comprehensive Care of Patients With Class 3 Obesity: An Integrative Review

Janice M Beitz  1   2 , Karen Lou Kennedy-Evans  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Good Things Don't Always Come in Small Packages: Comprehensive Care of Patients With Class 3 Obesity: An Integrative Review

Janice M Beitz et al. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2023 Sep-Oct.

Abstract

The epidemic of obesity and morbid obesity is straining the American health care system's ability to provide quality patient care. Patients with Class 3 (also referred to as morbid or severe) obesity require specialized equipment, unique approaches in the delivery of care, and understanding of the biopsychosocial pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying their condition. This article defines Class 3 obesity, its pathophysiology, and discusses issues that arise when providing quality care of these individuals including safe patient handling, right-sized equipment, and empathetic interpersonal care. We also discuss skin and wound care issues associated with Class 3 obesity.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

References

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