Medsurg nursing : official journal of the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses
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The increasing incidence of morbid obesity suggests that the quantity of bariatric surgical procedures will continue to multiply each year. Bariatric surgery has become an accepted approach to weight management with the additional benefit of resolution of several co-morbidities. However, quality nursing care and effective patient teaching are essential to achieve positive patient outcomes. ⋯ During the postoperative period, the nurse in the physician's office can serve as a source of information and a monitor of patient progress. Follow-up calls to patients and families after surgery are very helpful in determining the welfare of the patient, offering suggestions for managing the patient's care, and learning if any complications are developing. At the same time, the nurse can assess the psychological condition of the patient and his or her adjustment to a new way of living.
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Current accreditation and professional standards in health care reflect the importance of chaplaincy services to patients, families, the health care team, and the organization. However, inadequate spiritual assessment, the organizational structure and climate, and lack of understanding of the chaplain's role can prevent these services from being optimally utilized. ⋯ Spiritual assessment is a tool for nurses to recognize patient's needs for spiritual intervention and chaplain referral. By collaborating with chaplains, nurses can help develop an organizational infrastructure capable of timely responsiveness to patients' spiritual needs.