Chapter 40
The nurse will be teaching self-management to patients after gastric bypass surgery. Which information will the nurse plan to include? a. Drink fluids between meals but not with meals. b. Choose high-fat foods for at least 30% of intake. c. Developing flabby skin can be prevented by exercise. d. Choose foods high in fiber to promote bowel function.
ANS: A Intake of fluids with meals tends to cause dumping syndrome and diarrhea. Food choices should be low in fat and fiber. Exercise does not prevent the development of flabby skin.
The nurse cares for a 34-yr-old woman after bariatric surgery. The nurse determines that discharge teaching related to diet is successful if the patient makes which statement? a. "A high-protein diet that is low in carbohydrates and fat will prevent diarrhea." b. "Food should be high in fiber to prevent constipation from the pain medication." c. "Three meals a day with no snacks between meals will provide optimal nutrition." d. "Fluid intake should be at least 2000 mL per day with meals to avoid dehydration."
ANS: A The diet generally prescribed is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, fat, and roughage and consists of six small feedings daily. Fluids should not be ingested with the meal, and in some cases, fluids should be restricted to less than 1000 mL per day. Fluids and foods high in carbohydrate tend to promote diarrhea and symptoms of the dumping syndrome. Generally, calorically dense foods (foods high in fat) should be avoided to permit more nutritionally sound food to be consumed.
A 40-year-old obese woman reports that she wants to lose weight. Which question should the nurse ask first? a. "What factors led to your obesity?" b. "Which types of food do you like best?" c. "How long have you been overweight?" d. "What kind of activities do you enjoy?"
ANS: A The nurse should obtain information about the patient's perceptions of the reasons for the obesity to develop a plan individualized to the patient. The other information also will be obtained from the patient, but the patient is more likely to make changes when the patient's beliefs are considered in planning.
A community health nurse is conducting an initial assessment of a new patient. Which assessments should the nurse include when screening the patient for metabolic syndrome? Select all that apply. a. Blood pressure b. Resting heart rate c. Physical endurance d. Waist circumference e. Fasting blood glucose
ANS: A, D, E The diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome include elevated blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, waist circumference, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Resting heart rate and physical endurance are not part of the diagnostic criteria.
Which finding for a patient who has been taking orlistat (Xenical) is most important to report to the health care provider? a. The patient frequently has liquid stools. b. The patient is pale and has many bruises. c. The patient complains of bloating after meals. d. The patient is experiencing a weight loss plateau.
ANS: B Because orlistat blocks the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, the patient may not be receiving an adequate amount of vitamin K, resulting in a decrease in clotting factors. Abdominal bloating and liquid stools are common side effects of orlistat and indicate that the nurse should remind the patient that fat in the diet may increase these side effects. Weight loss plateaus are normal during weight reduction.
Which information will the nurse prioritize in planning preoperative teaching for a patient undergoing a Roux-en- gastric bypass? a. Educating the patient about the nasogastric (NG) tube b. Instructing the patient on coughing and breathing techniques c. Discussing necessary postoperative modifications in lifestyle d. Demonstrating passive range-of-motion exercises for the legs
ANS: B Coughing and deep breathing can prevent major postoperative complications such as carbon monoxide retention and hypoxemia. Information about passive range of motion, the NG tube, and postoperative modifications in lifestyle will also be discussed, but avoidance of respiratory complications is the priority goal after surgery.
Which information will the nurse prioritize in planning preoperative teaching for a patient undergoing a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass? a. Educating the patient about the nasogastric (NG) tube b. Instructing the patient on coughing and breathing techniques c. Discussing necessary postoperative modifications in lifestyle d. Demonstrating passive range-of-motion exercises for the legs
ANS: B Coughing and deep breathing can prevent major postoperative complications such as carbon monoxide retention and hypoxemia. Information about passive range of motion, the NG tube, and postoperative modifications in lifestyle will also be discussed, but avoidance of respiratory complications is the priority goal after surgery.
Which statement by the nurse is most likely to help a 22-yr-old patient with extreme obesity in losing weight on a 1000-calorie diet? a. "It will be necessary to change lifestyle habits permanently to maintain weight loss." b. "You are likely to notice changes in how you feel after a few weeks of diet and exercise." c. "You will decrease your risk for future health problems such as diabetes by losing weight now." d. "Most of the weight that you lose during the first weeks of dieting is water weight rather than fat."
ANS: B Motivation is a key factor in successful weight loss and a short-term outcome provides a higher motivation. A 22-yr-old patient is unlikely to be motivated by future health problems. Telling a patient that the initial weight loss is water will be discouraging, although this may be correct. Changing lifestyle habits is necessary, but this process occurs over time, and discussing this is not likely to motivate the patient.
Which adult will the nurse plan to teach about risks associated with obesity? a. Man who has a BMI of 18 kg/m2 b. Man with a 42 in waist and 44 in hips c. Woman who has a body mass index (BMI) of 24 kg/m2 d. Woman with a waist circumference of 34 inches (86 cm)
ANS: B The waist-to-hip ratio for this patient is 0.95, which exceeds the recommended level of <0.80. A patient with a BMI of 18 kg/m2 is considered underweight. A BMI of 24 kg/m2 is normal. Health risks associated with obesity increase in women with a waist circumference larger than 35 in (89 cm) and men with a waist circumference larger than 40 in (102 cm).
After bariatric surgery, a patient who is being discharged tells the nurse, "I prefer to be independent. I am not interested in any support groups." Which response by the nurse is best? a. "I hope you change your mind so that I can suggest a group for you." b. "Tell me what types of resources you think you might use after this surgery." c. "Support groups have been found to lead to more successful weight loss after surgery." d. "Because there are many lifestyle changes after surgery, we recommend support groups."
ANS: B This statement allows the nurse to assess the individual patient's potential needs and preferences. The other statements offer the patient more information about the benefits of support groups but fail to acknowledge the patient's preferences.
After bariatric surgery, a patient who is being discharged tells the nurse, "I prefer to be independent. I am not interested in any support groups." Which response by the nurse is best? a. "I hope you change your mind so that I can suggest a group for you." b. "Tell me what types of resources you think you might use after this surgery." c. "Support groups have been found to lead to more successful weight loss after surgery." d. "Because there are many lifestyle changes after surgery, we recommend support groups."
ANS: B This statement allows the nurse to assess the individual patient's potential needs and preferences. The other statements offer the patient more information about the benefits of support groups, but fail to acknowledge the patient's preferences.
Which information in this male patient's electronic health record as shown in the accompanying figure will the nurse use to confirm that the patient has metabolic syndrome? Select all that apply. Vital signs: T 98.2, BP 126/82, P 98, R 20 Assessment: Height/Weight 68 inches/200 lbs, BMI 30.4, Waist circumference 41 inches. Laboratory results: Fasting glucose 124, Total cholesterol 234, HDL 34, LDL 194, Triglycerides 130. a. Weight b. Waist size c. Blood glucose d. Blood pressure e. Triglyceride level f. Total cholesterol level
ANS: B, C The patient's waist circumference, high-density lipoprotein level, and fasting blood glucose level indicate that he has metabolic syndrome. The other data are not used in making a metabolic syndrome diagnosis or do not meet the criteria for this diagnosis.
The nurse is caring for a patient after bariatric surgery. What should be included in the plan of care? Select all that apply. a. Teach the patient to increase carbohydrate intake. b. Assess for incisional pain versus anastomosis leak. c. Maintain elevation of the head of bed at 35-45 degrees. d. Monitor for vomiting that is a common complication. e. Instruct the patient to consume liquids frequently during meals. f. Assist with early independent ambulation during hospitalization.
ANS: B, C, D, F After bariatric surgery, the nurse needs to assess for incisional pain versus anastomosis leak. Because vomiting is a common postoperative complication, maintain elevation of the head of bed to reduce the risk of vomiting and aspiration. Dietary recommendations include six small meals that are high in protein and low in carbohydrates and fat. Fluids should be avoided during meals to prevent dumping syndrome. Early ambulation with assistance is recommended.
To evaluate an obese patient for adverse effects of lorcaserin (Belviq), which action will the nurse take? a. Take the apical pulse rate. b. Check sclera for jaundice. c. Ask about bowel movements. d. Assess for agitation or restlessness.
ANS: C Constipation is a common side effect of lorcaserin. The other assessments would be appropriate for other weight-loss medications.
To evaluate an obese patient for adverse effects of lorcaserin (Belviq), which action will the nurse take? a. Take the apical pulse rate. b. Check sclera for jaundice. c. Ask about bowel movements. d. Assess for agitation or restlessness.
ANS: C Constipation is a common side effect of lorcaserin. The other assessments would be appropriate for other weight-loss medications.
In developing an effective weight reduction plan for an overweight patient who expresses willingness to try to lose weight, which factor should the nurse assess first? a. The length of time the patient has been obese b. The patient's current level of physical activity c. The patient's social, emotional, and behavioral influences on obesity d. Anthropometric measurements, such as body mass index and skinfold thickness
ANS: C Eating patterns are established early in life, and eating has many meanings for people. To establish a weight reduction plan that will be successful for the patient, the nurse should first explore the social, emotional, and behavioral influences on the patient's eating patterns. The duration of obesity, current physical activity level, and current anthropometric measurements are not as important for the weight reduction plan.
After successfully losing 1 lb weekly for several months, a patient at the clinic has not lost any weight for the last month. The nurse should first a. review the diet and exercise guidelines with the patient. b. instruct the patient to weigh and record weights weekly. c. ask the patient whether there have been any changes in exercise or diet patterns. d. discuss the possibility that the patient has reached a temporary weight loss plateau.
ANS: C The initial nursing action should be assessment of any reason for the change in weight loss. The other actions may be needed, but further assessment is required before any interventions are planned or implemented.
What information will the nurse include for an overweight 35-year-old woman who is starting a weight-loss plan? a. Weigh yourself at the same time every morning and evening. b. Stick to a 600- to 800-calorie diet for the most rapid weight loss. c. Low carbohydrate diets lead to rapid weight loss but are difficult to maintain. d. Weighing all foods on a scale is necessary to choose appropriate portion sizes.
ANS: C The restrictive nature of fad diets makes the weight loss achieved by the patient more difficult to maintain. Portion size can be estimated in other ways besides weighing. Severely calorie-restricted diets are not necessary for patients in the overweight category of obesity and need to be closely supervised. Patients should weigh weekly rather than daily.
The nurse is caring for a 54-year-old female patient on the first postoperative day after a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure. Which assessment finding should be reported immediately to the surgeon? a. Bilateral crackles audible at both lung bases b. Redness, irritation, and skin breakdown in skinfolds c. Emesis of bile-colored fluid past the nasogastric (NG) tube d. Use of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) several times an hour for pain
ANS: C Vomiting with an NG tube in place indicates that the NG tube needs to be repositioned by the surgeon to avoid putting stress on the gastric sutures. The nurse should implement actions to decrease skin irritation and have the patient cough and deep breathe, but these do not indicate a need for rapid notification of the surgeon. Frequent PCA use after bariatric surgery is expected.
The nurse is caring for a patient on the first postoperative day after a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure. Which assessment finding should be reported immediately to the surgeon? a. Bilateral crackles audible at both lung bases b. Redness, irritation, and skin breakdown in skinfolds c. Emesis of bile-colored fluid past the nasogastric (NG) tube d. Use of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) several times an hour for pain
ANS: C Vomiting with an NG tube in place indicates that the NG tube needs to be repositioned by the surgeon to avoid putting stress on the gastric sutures. The nurse should implement actions to decrease skin irritation and have the patient cough and deep breathe, but these do not indicate a need for rapid notification of the surgeon. Frequent PCA use after bariatric surgery is expected.
Which patient is at risk for developing metabolic syndrome? a. A 62-yr-old white man who has coronary artery disease with chronic stable angina b. A 54-yr-old Hispanic woman who is sedentary and has nephrogenic diabetes insipidus c. A 27-yr-old Asian American woman who has preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus d. A 38-yr-old Native American man who has diabetes mellitus and elevated hemoglobin A1C
ANS: D African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asians are at an increased risk for development of metabolic syndrome. Other risk factors include individuals who have diabetes that cannot maintain a normal glucose level, have hypertension, and secrete a large amount of insulin, or who have survived a heart attack and have hyperinsulinemia.
In the immediate postoperative period a nurse cares for a severely obese 72-yr-old man who had surgery for repair of a lower leg fracture. Which assessment is most important? a. Cardiac rhythm b. Surgical dressing c. Postoperative pain d. Oxygen saturation
ANS: D After surgery, an older or severely obese patient should be closely monitored for oxygen desaturation. The body stores anesthetics in adipose tissue, placing patients with excess adipose tissue (e.g., obesity, older) at risk for resedation. As adipose cells release anesthetic back into the bloodstream, the patient may become sedated after surgery. This may depress the respiratory rate and result in a drop in oxygen saturation.
A few months after bariatric surgery, a 56-yr-old male patient tells the nurse, "My skin is hanging off of me. I think I might want to surgery to remove the skinfolds." Which response by the nurse is most appropriate? a. "The important thing is that you are improving your health." b. "The skinfolds show everyone how much weight you have lost." c. "Perhaps you should talk to a counselor about your body image." d. "Cosmetic surgery may be possible once your weight has stabilized."
ANS: D Reconstructive surgery may be used to eliminate excess skinfolds after at least a year has passed since the surgery. The responses, "The important thing is that your weight loss is improving your health," and "The skinfolds show everyone how much weight you have lost, "ignore the patient's concerns about appearance and implies that the nurse knows what is important. It may be helpful for the patient to talk to a counselor, however, there is no indication given that the concern about skinfolds is dysfunctional.
The severely obese patient has elected to have the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) procedure. The nurse will know the patient understands the preoperative teaching when the patient makes which statement? a. "This surgery will preserve the function of my stomach." b. "This surgery will remove the fat cells from my abdomen." c. "This surgery can be modified whenever I need it to be changed." d. "This surgery decreases how much I can eat and how many calories I can absorb."
ANS: D The RYGB decreases the size of the stomach to a gastric pouch and attaches it directly to the small intestine so food bypasses 90% of the stomach, the duodenum, and a small segment of the jejunum. The vertical sleeve gastrectomy removes 85% of the stomach but preserves the function of the stomach. Lipectomy and liposuction remove fat tissue from the abdomen or other areas. Adjustable gastric banding can be modified or reversed at a later date.
After sleeve gastrectomy, a 42-yr-old male patient returns to the surgical nursing unit with a nasogastric tube to low, intermittent suction and a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) machine for pain control. Which nursing action should be included in the postoperative plan of care? a. Offer sips of fruit juices at frequent intervals. b. Irrigate the nasogastric (NG) tube frequently. c. Remind the patient that PCA use may slow the return of bowel function. d. Support the surgical incision during patient coughing and turning in bed.
ANS: D The incision should be protected from strain to decrease the risk for wound dehiscence. The patient should be encouraged to use the PCA because pain control will improve the cough effort and patient mobility. NG irrigation may damage the suture line or overfill the stomach pouch. Sugar-free clear liquids are offered during the immediate postoperative time to decrease the risk for dumping syndrome.
