CDCES Patient Communication Skills 2

Question 1

A patient with low health literacy struggles to understand carbohydrate counting instructions. What is the BEST communication strategy?

Accepted Answer

Use simpler language and visual aids like food models or pictures

Answer

Provide a detailed written pamphlet for them to study at home

Answer

Repeat the same explanation more slowly and loudly

Answer

Refer the patient to a registered dietitian only

Question 2

During a diabetes education session, a patient becomes tearful when discussing insulin initiation. The DCES should FIRST:

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the patient's emotions and pause to offer support

Answer

Continue the education session to avoid losing momentum

Answer

Immediately call the patient's physician to report distress

Answer

Reschedule the appointment for another day

Question 3

Which technique is MOST effective for confirming a patient understands their medication instructions?

Accepted Answer

Use the teach-back method by asking the patient to explain it back

Answer

Ask 'Do you understand your medication schedule?'

Answer

Have the patient sign an informed consent form

Answer

Provide a written medication list and ask them to keep it

Question 4

A Spanish-speaking patient arrives without a scheduled interpreter. What is the MOST appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Use a qualified medical interpreter service before proceeding

Answer

Proceed with the session using gestures and diagrams

Answer

Ask the patient's adult child who is present to interpret

Answer

Postpone all diabetes education until a formal appointment can be made

Question 5

When using motivational interviewing, the DCES asks, 'What worries you most about starting insulin?' This question is BEST described as:

Accepted Answer

An open-ended question that explores patient concerns

Answer

A closed-ended question to gather specific data

Answer

A leading question designed to overcome resistance

Answer

A reflective statement summarizing patient ambivalence

Question 6

A patient reports checking blood glucose only when feeling symptomatic. Using the 5 A's framework, what step does addressing this behavior represent?

Accepted Answer

Assess

Answer

Ask

Answer

Advise

Answer

Assist

Question 7

Which communication approach BEST supports a patient's autonomy in diabetes self-management?

Accepted Answer

Provide options and collaboratively set goals based on the patient's priorities

Answer

Tell the patient exactly what changes they must make to improve outcomes

Answer

Use authoritative language to emphasize the seriousness of non-adherence

Answer

Limit discussion to clinical targets to keep sessions focused