CBN Communication & Stakeholder Engagement 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A bariatric surgery candidate becomes tearful during a preoperative education session and says, "I've failed at every diet, so I'll probably fail at this too." What is the nurse's best initial response?
- Acknowledge the patient's feelings and explore past weight-loss experiences without judgment (Correct answer)
- Reassure the patient that surgery guarantees permanent weight loss
- Redirect the conversation back to the education checklist to stay on schedule
- Advise the patient to postpone surgery until they feel more confident
Correct answer: Acknowledge the patient's feelings and explore past weight-loss experiences without judgment
Therapeutic communication begins with acknowledging emotions and exploring the patient's experience nonjudgmentally, which builds trust and reveals teaching needs.
Question 2: When communicating with a bariatric patient, which practice best reflects the use of person-first, weight-neutral language?
- Saying "patient with obesity" rather than "obese patient" (Correct answer)
- Using the term "morbidly obese" because it is a clinical diagnosis
- Avoiding any mention of weight during the encounter
- Referring to the patient by their BMI classification during rounds
Correct answer: Saying "patient with obesity" rather than "obese patient"
Person-first language such as "patient with obesity" reduces stigma by separating the person from the condition.
Question 3: During interdisciplinary rounds, the dietitian and surgeon give the patient conflicting instructions about protein goals after sleeve gastrectomy. What is the bariatric nurse's most appropriate action?
- Facilitate direct communication between the dietitian and surgeon to reach a unified plan before reinforcing teaching (Correct answer)
- Tell the patient to follow the surgeon's instructions because the surgeon leads the team
- Give the patient both sets of instructions and let them choose
- Document the discrepancy and take no further action
Correct answer: Facilitate direct communication between the dietitian and surgeon to reach a unified plan before reinforcing teaching
The nurse acts as a care coordinator, resolving conflicting messages among team members so the patient receives consistent instructions.
Question 4: A patient's spouse repeatedly answers questions during the preoperative interview, and the patient remains silent. Which nursing strategy best engages the patient?
- Politely direct questions to the patient and arrange time to speak with the patient alone (Correct answer)
- Ask the spouse to leave immediately because the interview is confidential
- Continue the interview with the spouse since the patient seems comfortable
- Reschedule the interview for another day
Correct answer: Politely direct questions to the patient and arrange time to speak with the patient alone
Redirecting questions to the patient and offering private time preserves patient autonomy while respecting family involvement.
Question 5: Which technique is most effective for verifying that a bariatric patient understood discharge instructions about vitamin supplementation?
- Ask the patient to explain the instructions back in their own words (Correct answer)
- Ask the patient if they have any questions before leaving
- Provide a printed handout and highlight key sections
- Have the patient sign a form stating they received the instructions
Correct answer: Ask the patient to explain the instructions back in their own words
The teach-back method confirms actual comprehension rather than assumed understanding.
Question 6: A bariatric nurse is preparing to hand off a postoperative gastric bypass patient to the medical-surgical unit. Which communication tool best ensures a complete, structured handoff?
- SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) (Correct answer)
- An informal verbal summary at the nurses' station
- A copy of the surgeon's operative note alone
- The patient's self-report of their own status
Correct answer: SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation)
SBAR provides a standardized structure that reduces omissions and communication errors during transitions of care.
Question 7: A patient with limited English proficiency is scheduled for bariatric surgery education. What is the most appropriate way to communicate the teaching content?
- Use a qualified medical interpreter and translated teaching materials (Correct answer)
- Ask the patient's teenage child to interpret during the session
- Speak slowly and loudly in English while using gestures
- Skip verbal teaching and rely on English handouts with pictures
Correct answer: Use a qualified medical interpreter and translated teaching materials
A qualified medical interpreter ensures accurate, confidential communication and is the legal and ethical standard of care.
CBN Communication & Stakeholder Engagement 2
A bariatric surgery candidate becomes tearful during a preoperative education session and says, "I've failed at every diet, so I'll probably fail at this too." What is the nurse's best initial response?