BARIATRIC PATIENTS: ASSISTING WITH TOILETING TASKS

Course overview

Assisting a bariatric patient (i.e., a patient with clinically severe obesity, which was previously commonly referred to as morbid obesity) with toileting tasks consists of assisting the patient in the use of a urinal or bedpan, or of moving or assisting the patient in moving from a bed or chair to a toilet or commode, assisting with post-evacuation cleansing, and providing routine skin care. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of assisting bariatric patients with toileting tasks, including the use of assistive equipment, factors that must be considered when assisting bariatric patients with toileting, and methods for ensuring the safety of both patient and healthcare provider. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.