Caring for the child who is obese: mobility, caregiver safety, environmental accommodation, and legal concerns.

Two thirds of Americans are considered overweight, while 25% are obese. Obesity is the most common health problem facing U.S. children today, regardless of ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic status. Lack of preplanning for the hospitalized obese child threatens both patient and caregiver safety, and is becoming a serious consideration in pediatric nursing. Some of the challenges in mobilizing larger children with an eye to preventing caregiver injury and promoting patient safety are explored. Equipment, policy formation, education, and legal considerations are outlined within this context. A case study is presented herein.