Q What is the current evidence related to basing vasoactive drips on body weight for bariatric patients?

A Linda Harrington, RN, PhD, CNS, CPHQ, replies:

This is an important question because two thirds of the population is considered overweight and 30% of the adults in the United States are considered obese.1 Coinciding with the growing incidence of obesity is the increasing number of bariatric surgeries along with the associated risks including emergency cardiovascular situations. Therefore, the answer to this question has a broad clinical application beyond bariatric patients to include the larger obese population.

For the purpose of this article, I use the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice to Promote Quality Care2 to define the term evidence. This model is easy to understand and simple to use. According to the Iowa model, evidence consists of research, case reports, expert opinions, scientific principles, and theory. Some people may...

You do not currently have access to this content.