Gastrointestinal NCLEX Questions Related

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Priority Decision: The nurse admitting a patient for bariatric surgery obtains the following information from the patient. Which finding should be brought to the surgeon's attention before proceeding with further patient preparation?

  • A. History of hypertension
  • B. History of untreated depression
  • C. History of multiple attempts at weight loss
  • D. History of sleep apnea treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: History of untreated depression. Before proceeding with further patient preparation for bariatric surgery, it is crucial to address untreated depression as it can significantly impact the patient's mental and emotional well-being post-operatively. Untreated depression can lead to poor compliance with post-operative instructions, medication management issues, and potentially increase the risk of complications. It is essential to involve the surgeon to assess the patient's psychological readiness for surgery and ensure appropriate support and resources are in place.

Incorrect choices:
A: History of hypertension - While hypertension should be managed pre-operatively, it is not a critical factor that would require immediate attention before further preparation.
C: History of multiple attempts at weight loss - This is a common issue in patients undergoing bariatric surgery and does not pose an immediate risk that needs urgent attention.
D: History of sleep apnea treated with CPAP - While sleep apnea is a relevant consideration for bariatric surgery, the fact that it is being treated with