CBN Postoperative Care & Complications Flashcards

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

Answer: Anastomotic leak with diaphragmatic irritation

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

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

Answer: Early dumping syndrome

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.

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

Answer: Early ambulation beginning on postoperative day 1

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

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

Answer: Marginal ulcer

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

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

Answer: Hemoglobin drop of 3 g/dL from baseline

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

Which position is RECOMMENDED for a bariatric patient post-surgery to reduce respiratory complications?

Answer: Reverse Trendelenburg (head elevated 30–45 degrees)

Head-of-bed elevation at 30–45 degrees reduces diaphragmatic compression by abdominal contents, improving ventilation and reducing pulmonary complications in obese patients.