CBN Postoperative Care & Complications Flashcards

Which complication is MOST common in the immediate postoperative period following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass?

Answer: Anastomotic leak

Anastomotic leak is the most feared and common serious early postoperative complication of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, typically presenting within 72 hours.

A post-bariatric patient presents with tachycardia (HR 120), fever, and abdominal pain on postoperative day 2. The nurse's PRIORITY action is:

Answer: Notify the surgeon immediately and prepare for emergent evaluation

Tachycardia, fever, and abdominal pain on postoperative day 2 are classic signs of anastomotic leak, a surgical emergency requiring immediate surgeon notification.

Dumping syndrome after gastric bypass is BEST managed by:

Answer: Eating small, frequent meals low in simple carbohydrates and avoiding liquids with meals

Small frequent meals low in simple sugars and separating liquids from solids minimizes rapid gastric emptying and prevents dumping syndrome symptoms.

Which vitamin deficiency is MOST critical to monitor after sleeve gastrectomy due to reduced acid secretion?

Answer: Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs after sleeve gastrectomy because reduced gastric acid and intrinsic factor production impair B12 absorption.

A bariatric nurse is monitoring a patient for stomal stenosis after gastric bypass. Which symptom is most indicative?

Answer: Progressive dysphagia and intolerance of solid foods progressing to liquids

Stomal stenosis (stricture at the gastrojejunal anastomosis) presents as progressive dysphagia and vomiting that begins with solids and advances to liquids.

Iron deficiency anemia after bariatric surgery is PRIMARILY caused by:

Answer: Reduced gastric acid reducing conversion of Fe3+ to absorbable Fe2+, combined with bypassing the duodenum

Bariatric surgery causes iron deficiency through reduced acid-mediated iron conversion and bypass of the duodenum, the primary site of iron absorption.