CBC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CBC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. In cognitive behavioral therapy for post-surgical bariatric patients, which tool is most commonly used to identify triggers for emotional eating? → A self-monitoring food and mood diary
2. How soon after bariatric surgery are patients typically encouraged to begin walking? → Within the first 24 hours, as tolerated
3. Which medication class should post-bypass patients generally avoid due to marginal ulcer risk? → NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen
4. Which screening instrument is most commonly used to identify binge eating behavior in bariatric surgery candidates? → Binge Eating Scale (BES)
5. A patient reliant on protein shakes 9 months post-op resists transitioning to solid protein foods. The counselor should: → Explore barriers such as fear of vomiting and build a gradual food-based transition plan
6. Which non-surgical bariatric treatment is commonly used? → Medical weight management programs
7. A counselor notices a patient is consuming milkshakes and melted ice cream to cope with restriction. What is this behavior called? → Soft calorie or liquid calorie syndrome (eating around the surgery)
8. Which term describes the transfer of compulsive overeating to another compulsive behavior, such as alcohol misuse, sometimes seen after bariatric surgery? → Addiction transfer (cross-addiction)
9. A post-surgical client eats rapidly and experiences dumping syndrome. Which behavioral strategy directly targets eating pace? → Putting utensils down between bites
10. Which goal statement best follows SMART goal criteria for a post-bariatric client? → "Walk 20 minutes after dinner, five days a week, for the next month."
11. A patient repeatedly says, 'I can't control myself around sweets.' Using cognitive-behavioral techniques, the counselor should first: → Help the patient identify and test this automatic thought against past experiences
12. What is the purpose of a preoperative very-low-calorie or liver-shrinking diet often prescribed 1-2 weeks before surgery? → To reduce liver size and intra-abdominal fat, improving surgical access and safety
13. Which of the following is a critical hydration guideline for all post-bariatric surgery patients to prevent discomfort and complications? → Separate fluid intake from meals by at least 30 minutes.
14. A patient reports skipping planned meals, then overeating late at night. The first behavioral recommendation should be: → Establishing a structured, regular eating schedule
15. Which finding in a post-operative client most strongly suggests transfer addiction and warrants further assessment? → New onset of heavy alcohol use replacing prior compulsive eating
16. Why is thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency a medical emergency in a bariatric patient with persistent vomiting? → It can rapidly cause Wernicke encephalopathy with permanent neurological damage
17. A patient six months post-surgery reports drinking high-calorie coffee beverages daily without considering them 'food.' The best initial behavioral step is: → Adding all beverages to the patient's self-monitoring log
18. A counselor helps a patient plan how to handle a buffet at an upcoming wedding. This strategy is an example of: → Relapse prevention planning
19. Which sleep-related condition should routinely be screened for during bariatric pre-surgical assessment? → Obstructive sleep apnea
20. Which cognitive distortion is a patient displaying when they say, "I ate one cookie, so my whole diet is ruined and I might as well binge"? → All-or-nothing thinking
21. Which form of calcium is preferred after gastric bypass due to reduced stomach acid? → Calcium citrate
22. Behavioral contracting in bariatric counseling is most effective when the contract: → Specifies concrete behaviors, timelines, and agreed-upon reinforcers
23. According to Bandura's social cognitive theory, which counselor strategy most directly builds a patient's self-efficacy for exercise? → Arranging early mastery experiences with small, achievable activity successes
24. What is the role of physical activity in weight management? → It boosts metabolism and supports weight loss
25. Which finding in a post-operative patient warrants emergency evaluation rather than routine counseling follow-up? → Sustained tachycardia, fever, and worsening abdominal pain
26. A patient 10 days post-op reports a fever of 101.5°F, increasing abdominal pain, and a heart rate above 120 bpm. The counselor's best action is to: → Advise the patient to contact their surgical team or seek emergency care immediately
27. Which complication is most specifically associated with adjustable gastric banding? → Band slippage or erosion into the stomach
28. A patient reports intolerance to milk with bloating and diarrhea after gastric bypass. What is the most likely explanation? → New-onset lactose intolerance from bypassing intestinal segments and faster transit
29. What is the primary reason for assessing a patient's social support system before bariatric surgery? → Strong support improves adherence to postoperative diet, follow-up, and lifestyle changes
30. In functional analysis of eating behavior, the 'ABC' model stands for: → Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence