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CERTIFIED BARIATRIC NURSE (CBN) EXAM - 2026 90+
QUESTIONS LATEST 2026 – 2027 VERSION SOLVED
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Certified Bariatric Nurse (CBN) Exam - Multiple Choice Questions with Rationales
DOMAIN 1: PREOPERATIVE CLINICAL MANAGEMENT (Questions 1-54)
Section A: Patient Selection & Candidacy
1. A 52-year-old female patient with a Body Mass Index of 38 presents with
hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and obstructive sleep apnea. According to
established criteria for bariatric surgery candidacy, which additional factor would
most strongly support her eligibility for surgical intervention?
• A) A documented history of at least two prior failed supervised dietary attempts
• B) A psychological evaluation indicating stable mental health status
• C) The presence of at least one obesity-related comorbid condition
• D) Completion of a preoperative nutritional counseling program
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The NIH criteria for bariatric surgery candidacy require a BMI of 40 or greater,
or a BMI of 35 or greater with significant obesity-related comorbidities. Since this
patient has a BMI of 38 with two comorbidities, she meets the BMI threshold, but
established guidelines also require documentation of previous unsuccessful weight
loss attempts through non-surgical methods such as supervised dietary programs
before proceeding with surgical evaluation .
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2. When screening a 68-year-old male patient for bariatric surgery, which finding
would represent an absolute contraindication to proceeding with a Roux-en-Y
gastric bypass procedure requiring careful consideration?
• A) History of mild COPD managed with inhalers
• B) Documented osteoarthritis of both knees
• C) Active substance abuse disorder with ongoing use
• D) Previous cholecystectomy performed 10 years ago
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Active substance abuse disorder represents a significant contraindication to
bariatric surgery due to the high risk of postoperative complications, poor compliance
with dietary and supplement regimens, and the potential for addiction transfer to food
or other substances following surgery. While advanced age, osteoarthritis, and previous
surgeries require evaluation, they are not absolute contraindications when properly
managed .
3. A 45-year-old patient with a BMI of 42 and a history of well-controlled
schizophrenia has expressed interest in bariatric surgery. What is the most
appropriate nursing action regarding her psychological evaluation prior to surgical
consideration?
• A) Recommend surgery be deferred permanently due to psychiatric diagnosis
• B) Refer for a comprehensive psychological evaluation focusing on stability and
support systems
• C) Proceed with surgery as psychiatric conditions do not affect surgical
outcomes
• D) Require a medication washout period of six months before evaluation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The presence of psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia does not
automatically exclude patients from bariatric surgery, but it requires comprehensive
preoperative psychological evaluation to assess stability, insight, medication
adherence, and available support systems. The multidisciplinary team must determine
if the patient can safely comply with postoperative requirements including dietary
changes, supplement regimens, and follow-up appointments .
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4. During preoperative education, a patient asks about the specific BMI criteria that
would classify her as having Class 3 obesity and therefore potentially qualify for
surgical consideration. Which BMI range should the nurse identify as definitively
meeting Class 3 obesity criteria?
• A) Body Mass Index between 35.0 and 39.9
• B) Body Mass Index of 40.0 or greater
• C) Body Mass Index between 30.0 and 34.9
• D) Body Mass Index of 50.0 or greater only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Class 3 obesity, previously termed "morbid obesity," is clinically defined as a
Body Mass Index of 40.0 or higher. This classification is significant for bariatric surgery
candidacy as it represents the threshold at which surgical intervention may be
considered regardless of comorbid conditions. Class 1 obesity is BMI 30-34.9, Class 2
is BMI 35-39.9, and Class 3 is BMI 40 or greater .
5. When evaluating an adolescent patient for bariatric surgery, which characteristic
distinguishes the assessment approach from that used for adult patients requiring
specific consideration?
• A) Adolescents require the same evaluation criteria as adults with no additional
considerations
• B) Adolescents must demonstrate Tanner stage IV or V physical maturity and
have parental consent
• C) Adolescents should have a BMI of at least 30 with one comorbidity
• D) Adolescents are not candidates for any bariatric procedure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Adolescent bariatric surgery candidates require special considerations
including physical maturity (Tanner stage IV or V), demonstration of cognitive and
emotional maturity, parental or guardian consent, and evidence that the adolescent has
participated in a structured weight management program. Additionally, adolescents
must have the capacity to understand the implications of surgery and demonstrate
commitment to long-term follow-up .
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6. A 38-year-old female patient with a BMI of 35 and no documented comorbidities
is requesting bariatric surgery. Based on established NIH criteria, how should the
bariatric nurse counsel this patient?
• A) Inform the patient she is an excellent candidate for any bariatric procedure
• B) Explain that her BMI does not meet the minimum criteria for surgical
candidacy
• C) Recommend proceeding with a laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding
procedure
• D) Schedule the patient for immediate preoperative testing and clearance
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: According to NIH and ASMBS criteria, patients with a BMI of 35-39.9 must
have at least one significant obesity-related comorbidity such as hypertension, type 2
diabetes, or sleep apnea to qualify for surgery. A patient with a BMI of 35 and no
documented comorbidities does not meet the minimum criteria for surgical candidacy
and would not be recommended for any procedure .
7. A patient with a history of previous bariatric surgery at another facility presents
for evaluation of weight regain. When coordinating this patient's care, what is the
most important factor the bariatric nurse should consider?
• A) Insurance policies regarding revision procedures require careful review
• B) Previous surgical records should be obtained and reviewed
• C) Revision procedures have higher complication rates than primary surgeries
• D) All of the above factors require consideration
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Patients presenting for revisional bariatric surgery require comprehensive
evaluation including review of previous operative records, assessment of current
insurance coverage and authorization requirements, and counseling regarding the
significantly higher complication rates associated with revision procedures compared
to primary bariatric operations. The multidisciplinary team must address all aspects of
the complex care required for these higher-risk patients .
8. During the initial consultation, a patient with a BMI of 48 and poorly controlled
type 2 diabetes shares that she has a 30-pack-year smoking history and currently
CERTIFIED BARIATRIC NURSE (CBN) EXAM - 2026 90+
QUESTIONS LATEST 2026 – 2027 VERSION SOLVED
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Certified Bariatric Nurse (CBN) Exam - Multiple Choice Questions with Rationales
DOMAIN 1: PREOPERATIVE CLINICAL MANAGEMENT (Questions 1-54)
Section A: Patient Selection & Candidacy
1. A 52-year-old female patient with a Body Mass Index of 38 presents with
hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and obstructive sleep apnea. According to
established criteria for bariatric surgery candidacy, which additional factor would
most strongly support her eligibility for surgical intervention?
• A) A documented history of at least two prior failed supervised dietary attempts
• B) A psychological evaluation indicating stable mental health status
• C) The presence of at least one obesity-related comorbid condition
• D) Completion of a preoperative nutritional counseling program
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The NIH criteria for bariatric surgery candidacy require a BMI of 40 or greater,
or a BMI of 35 or greater with significant obesity-related comorbidities. Since this
patient has a BMI of 38 with two comorbidities, she meets the BMI threshold, but
established guidelines also require documentation of previous unsuccessful weight
loss attempts through non-surgical methods such as supervised dietary programs
before proceeding with surgical evaluation .
, Page 2 of 43
2. When screening a 68-year-old male patient for bariatric surgery, which finding
would represent an absolute contraindication to proceeding with a Roux-en-Y
gastric bypass procedure requiring careful consideration?
• A) History of mild COPD managed with inhalers
• B) Documented osteoarthritis of both knees
• C) Active substance abuse disorder with ongoing use
• D) Previous cholecystectomy performed 10 years ago
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Active substance abuse disorder represents a significant contraindication to
bariatric surgery due to the high risk of postoperative complications, poor compliance
with dietary and supplement regimens, and the potential for addiction transfer to food
or other substances following surgery. While advanced age, osteoarthritis, and previous
surgeries require evaluation, they are not absolute contraindications when properly
managed .
3. A 45-year-old patient with a BMI of 42 and a history of well-controlled
schizophrenia has expressed interest in bariatric surgery. What is the most
appropriate nursing action regarding her psychological evaluation prior to surgical
consideration?
• A) Recommend surgery be deferred permanently due to psychiatric diagnosis
• B) Refer for a comprehensive psychological evaluation focusing on stability and
support systems
• C) Proceed with surgery as psychiatric conditions do not affect surgical
outcomes
• D) Require a medication washout period of six months before evaluation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The presence of psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia does not
automatically exclude patients from bariatric surgery, but it requires comprehensive
preoperative psychological evaluation to assess stability, insight, medication
adherence, and available support systems. The multidisciplinary team must determine
if the patient can safely comply with postoperative requirements including dietary
changes, supplement regimens, and follow-up appointments .
, Page 3 of 43
4. During preoperative education, a patient asks about the specific BMI criteria that
would classify her as having Class 3 obesity and therefore potentially qualify for
surgical consideration. Which BMI range should the nurse identify as definitively
meeting Class 3 obesity criteria?
• A) Body Mass Index between 35.0 and 39.9
• B) Body Mass Index of 40.0 or greater
• C) Body Mass Index between 30.0 and 34.9
• D) Body Mass Index of 50.0 or greater only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Class 3 obesity, previously termed "morbid obesity," is clinically defined as a
Body Mass Index of 40.0 or higher. This classification is significant for bariatric surgery
candidacy as it represents the threshold at which surgical intervention may be
considered regardless of comorbid conditions. Class 1 obesity is BMI 30-34.9, Class 2
is BMI 35-39.9, and Class 3 is BMI 40 or greater .
5. When evaluating an adolescent patient for bariatric surgery, which characteristic
distinguishes the assessment approach from that used for adult patients requiring
specific consideration?
• A) Adolescents require the same evaluation criteria as adults with no additional
considerations
• B) Adolescents must demonstrate Tanner stage IV or V physical maturity and
have parental consent
• C) Adolescents should have a BMI of at least 30 with one comorbidity
• D) Adolescents are not candidates for any bariatric procedure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Adolescent bariatric surgery candidates require special considerations
including physical maturity (Tanner stage IV or V), demonstration of cognitive and
emotional maturity, parental or guardian consent, and evidence that the adolescent has
participated in a structured weight management program. Additionally, adolescents
must have the capacity to understand the implications of surgery and demonstrate
commitment to long-term follow-up .
, Page 4 of 43
6. A 38-year-old female patient with a BMI of 35 and no documented comorbidities
is requesting bariatric surgery. Based on established NIH criteria, how should the
bariatric nurse counsel this patient?
• A) Inform the patient she is an excellent candidate for any bariatric procedure
• B) Explain that her BMI does not meet the minimum criteria for surgical
candidacy
• C) Recommend proceeding with a laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding
procedure
• D) Schedule the patient for immediate preoperative testing and clearance
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: According to NIH and ASMBS criteria, patients with a BMI of 35-39.9 must
have at least one significant obesity-related comorbidity such as hypertension, type 2
diabetes, or sleep apnea to qualify for surgery. A patient with a BMI of 35 and no
documented comorbidities does not meet the minimum criteria for surgical candidacy
and would not be recommended for any procedure .
7. A patient with a history of previous bariatric surgery at another facility presents
for evaluation of weight regain. When coordinating this patient's care, what is the
most important factor the bariatric nurse should consider?
• A) Insurance policies regarding revision procedures require careful review
• B) Previous surgical records should be obtained and reviewed
• C) Revision procedures have higher complication rates than primary surgeries
• D) All of the above factors require consideration
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Patients presenting for revisional bariatric surgery require comprehensive
evaluation including review of previous operative records, assessment of current
insurance coverage and authorization requirements, and counseling regarding the
significantly higher complication rates associated with revision procedures compared
to primary bariatric operations. The multidisciplinary team must address all aspects of
the complex care required for these higher-risk patients .
8. During the initial consultation, a patient with a BMI of 48 and poorly controlled
type 2 diabetes shares that she has a 30-pack-year smoking history and currently
