Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Practice Exam

What is a late sign of an anastomotic leak with bariatric gastrointestinal surgeries?

1. Chest pain

2. Fever

3. Shortness of breath

4. Anxiety

The correct answer is: Fever

The presence of fever is recognized as a late sign of an anastomotic leak following bariatric gastrointestinal surgeries. An anastomotic leak can occur when there is a breakdown at the surgical connection between sections of the gastrointestinal tract, and it often leads to the spillage of gastrointestinal contents into the abdominal cavity. The development of fever is a physiological response indicating that the body is combating an infection or inflammation resulting from the leak. This sign generally appears when the leak has progressed to cause significant complications, such as peritonitis, which is an inflammation of the peritoneum—often an infectious consequence of the leak. While chest pain, shortness of breath, and anxiety could be associated with a variety of conditions post-surgery, they are not specifically indicative of an anastomotic leak. For instance, chest pain could arise from numerous other issues, including pulmonary complications or cardiac conditions, making it less direct as a sign of anastomotic leak. Similarly, shortness of breath could stem from pulmonary complications or fluid overload. Anxiety, though it can manifest after surgical procedures, does not provide a clear indication of an anastomotic leak. Hence, the emergence of fever is a crucial late indicator that warrants further investigation for