Care of the Obese in Advanced Practice Nursing: Communication, Assessment, and Treatment

This book is the first resource to give the APN the practical tools with which to communicate, assess, and treat obese patients. Designed to help APNseasily broach an uncomfortable topic, the book walks practitioners through the exam, providing tips on effective communication, understanding lifestyleconstraints, and working with the patient to improve his or her condition without shame. Emphasizing multidisciplinary approaches and evidence-basedtreatment, the book addresses prevention, provider recognition, and treatment of adult and pediatric obesity with the goal of improving overall quality oflife.

This resource offers practical information on diet and exercise to foster healthy weight loss along with psychological, pharmacological, and surgicalrecommendations. Effective tips on all facets of working with obese patients, bolstered with real-life examples that provide the patient’s perspective,will help APNs understand and provide high-quality care to these vulnerable patients. Additionally, the book includes substantial information oncomorbidities, which add to the complexity of obesity treatment. Chapters address current trends and causes of obesity; communication “dos” and “don’ts”;the technical aspects of obesity, including genetics and pathophysiology; treatment of addiction and eating disorders; assessment from the APN point ofview; disease management; pharmacological, surgical, and medical management; and costs and insurance coverage. Tools that can be used to enhance clinicalpractice are featured in the Appendices.