CDCES Patient Assessment and Evaluation 2

Question 1

When assessing a patient's diabetes distress, which validated screening tool is most appropriate for adults with type 2 diabetes?

Accepted Answer

Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS)

Answer

The Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS) is a validated tool specifically designed to measure emotional burden related to diabetes management.

Question 2

A patient with type 1 diabetes reports frequent nocturnal hypoglycemia. Which assessment finding is most important to evaluate first?

Accepted Answer

Current basal insulin dose and timing

Answer

Basal insulin dose and timing is the primary factor to assess because excessive or mistimed basal insulin is the leading cause of nocturnal hypoglycemia.

Question 3

Which physical assessment finding is most consistent with peripheral neuropathy in a patient with longstanding diabetes?

Accepted Answer

Reduced vibratory sensation at the great toe

Answer

Reduced vibratory sensation at the great toe, tested with a 128-Hz tuning fork, is a hallmark early finding of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Question 4

A CDCES is reviewing lab results for a newly diagnosed patient with type 2 diabetes. Which finding would most warrant immediate referral to ophthalmology?

Accepted Answer

Visual blurring reported for 3 months

Answer

Persistent visual blurring lasting 3 months may indicate advanced diabetic retinopathy requiring urgent ophthalmologic evaluation.

Question 5

During a comprehensive diabetes assessment, a patient discloses they skip insulin doses to lose weight. This behavior is best classified as:

Accepted Answer

Diabulimia

Answer

Intentional insulin omission for weight control, most common in females with type 1 diabetes, is termed diabulimia and requires mental health and diabetes team intervention.

(CDCES) Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Practice Test

(CDCES) Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Practice Test

CDCES Patient Assessment and Evaluation 2