CDCES Patient Communication Skills 3

Question 1

A patient with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes asks, 'Will I need to give myself shots forever?' What is the BEST initial response?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the concern, clarify type 2 management options, and invite further questions

Answer

Confirm that insulin injections are inevitable for all type 2 patients

Answer

Reassure the patient they will never need injections if they follow the diet

Answer

Explain the physiology of insulin resistance in detail

Question 2

Which of the following BEST demonstrates active listening during a patient education session?

Accepted Answer

Nodding, maintaining eye contact, and reflecting back what the patient said

Answer

Taking extensive notes while the patient talks to capture every detail

Answer

Waiting silently until the patient finishes, then delivering the planned curriculum

Answer

Asking yes/no questions to efficiently confirm understanding

Question 3

A patient with diabetes-related distress says, 'I feel like no matter what I do, my numbers are never good enough.' The DCES's BEST response is:

Accepted Answer

Reflect the feeling: 'It sounds like you're feeling really frustrated and discouraged.'

Answer

Review the patient's log and identify specific errors in their technique

Answer

Remind the patient that consistent effort will eventually improve results

Answer

Ask the patient to set a more realistic A1C goal

Question 4

When educating an older adult patient about hypoglycemia recognition, the DCES should:

Accepted Answer

Adapt education to address atypical symptoms and potential cognitive changes

Answer

Use the same materials developed for younger adults to ensure consistency

Answer

Explain that older adults rarely experience hypoglycemia symptoms

Answer

Focus only on severe hypoglycemia since mild episodes are self-correcting

Question 5

A DCES is preparing educational materials for a patient who reads at a 4th-grade level. Which action is MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Rewrite materials at a 6th-grade level or below using plain language and visuals

Answer

Use medical terminology with a glossary attached

Answer

Write materials at a 5th- to 6th-grade reading level using short sentences

Answer

Recommend the patient attend a formal literacy program before diabetes education

Question 6

During a group diabetes education session, one participant dominates the discussion. The DCES should:

Accepted Answer

Redirect the group by thanking the participant and inviting others to share

Answer

Allow the dominant participant to continue to keep energy high

Answer

Privately warn the participant after class about disrupting the session

Answer

Restructure the group into smaller breakout sessions immediately

Question 7

A patient refuses to monitor their blood glucose, stating, 'It just stresses me out to see the numbers.' Which response BEST applies motivational interviewing principles?

Accepted Answer

Explore the patient's feelings about monitoring and discuss what information would feel useful to them

Answer

Explain the clinical importance of monitoring until the patient agrees to comply

Answer

Document the refusal and proceed with the rest of the education plan

Answer

Suggest the patient's physician adjust medications to eliminate the need for monitoring