Obesity: impediment to postsurgical wound healing.

PURPOSE: To provide physicians and nurses with an overview of the impact of obesity on postoperative wound healing and how preplanning protocols can minimize skin and wound care problems in this patient population.

TARGET AUDIENCE: This continuing education activity is intended for physicians and nurses with an interest in reducing skin and wound care problems in their patients who are obese.

OBJECTIVES

After reading the article and taking the test, the participant will be able to: 1. Identify obesity-related changes in body systems and how these impede wound healing. 2. Identify complications of postoperative wound healing in obese patients and the assessments and intervention strategies that can reduce these complications. 3. Identify skin and wound care considerations for obese patients and the role of preplanning protocols in avoiding problems.