CBN Risk Management & Mitigation 2

Question 1

A post-op gastric bypass patient develops tachycardia above 120 bpm with normal blood pressure and mild abdominal discomfort on day 1. What is the most important risk this may signal?

Accepted Answer

Anastomotic leak

Answer

Sustained tachycardia over 120 bpm is often the earliest and sometimes only sign of anastomotic leak after bariatric surgery.

Question 2

Which intervention best mitigates venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk in the immediate postoperative bariatric patient?

Accepted Answer

Early ambulation combined with chemoprophylaxis and sequential compression devices

Answer

Multimodal prophylaxis—early ambulation, pharmacologic anticoagulation, and mechanical compression—is the standard for VTE risk reduction in bariatric patients.

Question 3

What is the primary rationale for using weight-based dosing verification protocols for anticoagulants in bariatric patients?

Accepted Answer

Standard fixed doses may be subtherapeutic in patients with severe obesity

Answer

Standard fixed anticoagulant doses may be inadequate in patients with severe obesity, so weight-based or adjusted dosing helps prevent VTE.

Question 4

Which equipment-related action most directly reduces the risk of patient injury during transfer of a patient weighing 180 kg?

Accepted Answer

Verifying weight capacity of lifts, beds, and transfer devices before use

Answer

Confirming that all equipment is rated for the patient's weight prevents equipment failure and injury to both patient and staff.

Question 5

A bariatric patient with obstructive sleep apnea refuses to use CPAP postoperatively. What is the nurse's best risk-mitigation response?

Accepted Answer

Educate on respiratory risk, increase monitoring with continuous pulse oximetry, and notify the provider

Answer

Untreated OSA increases postoperative respiratory depression risk, so education, enhanced monitoring, and provider notification are essential.

(CBN) Certified Bariatric Nurse Practice Test

(CBN) Certified Bariatric Nurse Practice Test

CBN Risk Management & Mitigation 2