NURS FPX 4900 Assessment 2 Assessing the Problem Quality Safety and Cost Considerations

Assessing the Problem Quality, Safety, and Cost Considerations

In my capstone project, I aim to explore the multifaceted impact of obesity on patient outcomes, healthcare costs, and safety. This assessment explores how obesity complicates care delivery of patients like Mr. Henry’s, which requires intensive management and specialized interventions due to complications such as uncontrolled hypertension, poorly managed type 2 diabetes, and severe joint pain. Effective strategies guided by nursing standards and healthcare policies, such as those from the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the Affordable Care Act (ACA), are crucial. They aim to mitigate risks associated with obesity, including more extended hospital stays and increased complication rates like infections and respiratory issues. These efforts are pivotal in enhancing care quality, patient safety, and cost-efficiency in obesity management.

Obesity Impact on Quality of Care, Patient Safety, and Costs

Obesity profoundly affects patient outcomes, including quality of care, safety, and healthcare costs. Mr. Henry presented with severe complications, including uncontrolled hypertension, poorly managed type 2 diabetes, and severe joint pain, severely limiting his mobility and quality of life. This complex health profile necessitated intensive medical management, frequent hospital admissions, and specialized care interventions, directly impacting his overall health trajectory. Studies have shown that obesity is associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes during hospitalization, including more extended hospital stays and increased rates of complications such as wound infections and respiratory issues (Fusco et al., 2021).

Patient safety is significantly compromised due to obesity-related challenges. The physical demands of caring for obese patients increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries among healthcare providers during patient handling and treatment procedures. Additionally, obese individuals are more prone to anesthesia-related complications and difficulties in monitoring vital signs during surgical procedures. Research highlights that obese patients undergoing surgery have higher rates of postoperative complications, including cardiovascular events and wound infections, which prolong recovery and increase healthcare costs (Boureima et al., 2022).

Economically, obesity imposes a substantial burden on both individuals and the healthcare system. Annual healthcare costs attributable to obesity-related conditions continue to rise, encompassing expenses related to medical treatment, medications, and indirect costs such as lost productivity. A study by Shekar & Popkin (2020) estimates that obesity accounts for 21% of total US healthcare expenditures, with costs associated with treating obesity-related diseases exceeding $190 billion annually. In nursing practice, these impacts are evident through the allocation of resources toward managing obesity-related complications, implementing rigorous safety measures during patient care, and addressing the financial implications for patients and healthcare institutions alike. I also face increased physical demands and potential workplace injuries when caring for obese patients. By addressing obesity proactively through evidence-based interventions and preventive strategies, nurses play a pivotal role in enhancing patient outcomes, optimizing safety standards, and reducing long-term healthcare costs. This approach aligns with healthcare policies aimed at promoting population health and mitigating the broader societal impact of obesity-related diseases (McClean et al., 2021).

Impact of Nursing Standards and Healthcare Policies on Obesity

State board nursing practice standards and governmental policies such as those established by the American Nurses Association (ANA), Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA), and Affordable Care Act (ACA) significantly influence the impact of obesity on care quality, patient safety, and healthcare costs. The ANA sets forth guidelines that ensure nurses adhere to evidence-based practices in managing obesity-related complications like hypertension and diabetes, thereby enhancing care quality through standardized protocols and comprehensive patient assessments (Long, 2021). The NLEA, enacted to provide standardized nutrition information to consumers, indirectly supports patient safety by promoting informed food choices that can aid in managing obesity and related conditions. By requiring clear and accurate food labeling, the NLEA empowers patients like Mr. Henry to make healthier dietary decisions, potentially reducing the incidence of obesity-related illnesses and associated healthcare costs (Frisvold & Lensing, 2020).

The ACA encompasses a range of provisions aimed at improving healthcare access, quality, and affordabilit