Obesity: impediment to wound healing.

Intrinsic and extrinsic factors affect wound healing. High risk factors for the obese patients include infection, seromas, anastomatic leaks, and incision dehiscence. Tissue perfusion is an issue of great concern and is a key factor in most assessments. Obesity adds another dimension to the needs of the patient and presents challenges to nurses. From routine evaluations to specialized assessments with attention to bariatric equipment needs, a thorough understanding of wound healing and potential problems of obese patients, and knowledge of interventions is needed. Nonjudgmental attitudes are imperative in planning care for the obese patients. Following a review of physiological needs and nursing interventions, a case study details one woman's surgical complications.