CBC Behavioral Modification Strategies Questions and Answers

Question 1

A post-sleeve gastrectomy patient reports doing well during the day but struggles with unplanned snacking on high-calorie foods after 8 PM while watching TV.
Which behavioral modification strategy should the counselor recommend FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Modifying the environment by removing snack foods from the living room and engaging in a non-food-related activity like knitting or a puzzle.

Answer

Implementing a strict reward system for each night they avoid snacking.

Answer

Exploring deep-seated emotional triggers from childhood that lead to this behavior.

Answer

Restricting all food intake after 6 PM to create a firm cut-off.

Question 2

In the context of bariatric behavioral modification, what is the primary purpose of self-monitoring, such as keeping a detailed food and fluid log?

Accepted Answer

To increase awareness of current habits and identify specific triggers for maladaptive eating behaviors.

Answer

To provide the surgeon with data to determine if the surgical procedure is failing.

Answer

To calculate the exact micronutrient deficiencies the patient is experiencing.

Answer

To serve as a contractual agreement that penalizes the patient for poor food choices.

Question 3

A patient is distressed by a 3-week weight plateau and states, "I've completely failed. The surgery didn't work, and I'm just going to gain it all back." Which of the following represents a cognitive restructuring approach to this thought?

Accepted Answer

Helping the patient challenge the "all-or-nothing" thought by reframing it: "Weight plateaus are a normal part of the process. What non-scale victories have I achieved?"

Answer

Suggesting they increase their exercise intensity to break through the plateau.

Answer

Recommending they schedule an appointment with the dietitian to reassess their meal plan.

Answer

Assuring the patient that everyone feels this way and that the feeling will eventually pass.

Question 4

A client who underwent a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass consistently forgets their midday dose of calcium citrate. They have a well-established habit of making a protein shake for lunch every day. Which behavioral strategy would be most effective for improving adherence?

Accepted Answer

"Habit stacking" by placing the calcium supplements next to their protein shake powder and taking them immediately before or after drinking the shake.

Answer

Setting a series of alarms on their phone throughout the afternoon.

Answer

Punishing themselves by forgoing a preferred evening activity every time they miss the dose.

Answer

Relying solely on willpower to remember to take the supplement.

Question 5

The five steps of behavioral problem-solving training as applied in a bariatric context are: 1) Define the problem, 2) Brainstorm solutions, 3) Evaluate solutions, 4) Choose and implement a solution, and 5) ________. What is the crucial final step?

Accepted Answer

Evaluate the outcome.

Answer

Reward oneself for success.

Answer

Seek professional help.

Answer

Inform the support system.

Question 6

Which of the following is the best example of applying contingency management to support post-bariatric surgery behavioral goals?

Accepted Answer

A patient creates a contract with themselves to put $5 in a jar for a future non-food reward (e.g., a massage) for every week they meet their fluid intake goals.

Answer

A patient identifies that they eat when bored and finds a new hobby to occupy their time.

Answer

A patient recognizes they feel guilty after eating a "bad" food and works to reframe their thinking to see it as a single choice, not a total failure.

Answer

A patient keeps a detailed journal of their food intake and exercise to identify patterns.