Which complication should the nurse prioritize preventing after bariatric surgery?

Wound infection is a significant complication after bariatric surgery that requires prioritization in prevention due to the potential for serious outcomes. Surgical procedures such as bariatric surgery involve incisions, which can lead to infection if not properly managed. The risk factors include obesity itself, which can impair wound healing and increase the likelihood of infection. Additionally, the nature of these surgeries may necessitate longer recovery times, increasing the window of vulnerability for infections to develop.

To prevent wound infection, nurses focus on proper wound care, monitoring for signs of infection, patient education on hygiene practices, and ensuring that patients are aware of when to seek help for unusual symptoms. By prioritizing wound care, we help enhance the overall recovery process, reduce hospital stay durations, and improve the long-term success of the surgical intervention. This is particularly critical in the context of bariatric surgeries, where success heavily relies on effective postoperative management.

Other complications such as pain, depression, and thrombophlebitis are also important, but the acute risk and potential for severe consequence from wound infections make them a higher priority in the immediate postoperative period.