CBN CBN Postoperative Care & Complications 2

Question 1

Which postoperative complication is characterized by left shoulder (Kehr's sign) and upper abdominal pain in a bariatric patient?

Accepted Answer

Anastomotic leak with diaphragmatic irritation

Answer

Kehr's sign (left shoulder pain) in a postoperative bariatric patient suggests anastomotic leak causing diaphragmatic irritation from leaked gastric contents.

Question 2

A bariatric patient develops severe episodic cramping and watery diarrhea 15–30 minutes after eating. The nurse recognizes this as:

Accepted Answer

Early dumping syndrome

Answer

Early dumping syndrome occurs within 15–30 minutes of eating due to rapid gastric emptying causing osmotic fluid shifts into the small intestine, presenting with cramping and diarrhea.

Question 3

The MOST important nursing intervention to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after bariatric surgery is:

Accepted Answer

Early ambulation beginning on postoperative day 1

Answer

Early ambulation is the most effective nursing intervention to prevent DVT after bariatric surgery by promoting venous return and reducing stasis.

Question 4

A patient six months post-Roux-en-Y gastric bypass reports severe epigastric pain that worsens with eating. The nurse suspects:

Accepted Answer

Marginal ulcer

Answer

Marginal ulcers form at the gastrojejunal anastomosis and cause epigastric pain that typically worsens with food intake, occurring weeks to months postoperatively.

Question 5

Which postoperative lab finding requires IMMEDIATE intervention in a bariatric patient in the first 24 hours?

Accepted Answer

Hemoglobin drop of 3 g/dL from baseline

Answer

A hemoglobin drop of 3 g/dL in the first 24 hours suggests significant postoperative bleeding requiring immediate assessment and intervention.

(CBN) Certified Bariatric Nurse Practice Test

(CBN) Certified Bariatric Nurse Practice Test

CBN CBN Postoperative Care & Complications 2