CDE Behavioral Strategies 2 â Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient with type 2 diabetes consistently forgets to take their evening medication. Which behavioral strategy is most effective for addressing this?
- Prescribe a simpler regimen without evening doses
- Link medication-taking to an existing habit like brushing teeth (Correct answer)
- Increase the morning dose to compensate
- Ask the patient's spouse to administer the medication
Correct answer: Link medication-taking to an existing habit like brushing teeth
Habit stackingâlinking a new behavior to an established routineâis a proven strategy to improve medication adherence.
Question 2: Which theoretical model focuses on a patient's perceived susceptibility to complications and perceived benefits of action as key drivers of health behavior?
- Transtheoretical Model
- Social Cognitive Theory
- Health Belief Model (Correct answer)
- Self-Determination Theory
Correct answer: Health Belief Model
The Health Belief Model posits that perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers drive health behavior decisions.
Question 3: A patient says, 'I know I should exercise, but I just don't feel like it matters.' This statement best reflects a deficit in which concept?
- Self-efficacy
- Outcome expectancy (Correct answer)
- Locus of control
- Motivational readiness
Correct answer: Outcome expectancy
Outcome expectancy is the belief that a specific behavior will lead to a desired result; low expectancy reduces motivation to act.
Question 4: When using the 'Ask-Tell-Ask' technique in diabetes education, what is the primary purpose of the final 'Ask'?
- To quiz the patient on what was taught
- To check the patient's understanding and response to the information (Correct answer)
- To determine if the patient wants more education
- To assess the patient's literacy level
Correct answer: To check the patient's understanding and response to the information
The final 'Ask' confirms the patient's understanding and emotional reaction, enabling the educator to tailor next steps.
Question 5: A certified diabetes educator is working with a patient who recently lost their job and is struggling to afford insulin. Which approach should take priority?
- Reinforce the importance of medication adherence
- Explore available manufacturer patient assistance programs (Correct answer)
- Recommend switching to a less effective oral medication
- Educate the patient on the risks of skipping doses
Correct answer: Explore available manufacturer patient assistance programs
Addressing social determinants of healthâlike cost barriersâthrough resource navigation is a critical behavioral strategy before reinforcing adherence.
Question 6: Which communication technique involves reflecting feelings back to the patient to demonstrate empathy and deepen understanding?
- Summarizing
- Affirmation
- Reflective listening (Correct answer)
- Open-ended questioning
Correct answer: Reflective listening
Reflective listening mirrors the patient's words and emotions, validating their experience and encouraging deeper exploration.
Question 7: A patient in the contemplation stage of the Transtheoretical Model is best supported by which intervention?
- Setting specific action goals and timelines
- Providing detailed instructions for behavior change
- Exploring pros and cons of changing current behavior (Correct answer)
- Scheduling follow-up appointments to monitor progress
Correct answer: Exploring pros and cons of changing current behavior
In contemplation, decisional balancingâexploring the pros and consâhelps tip the patient toward readiness for change.
CDE Behavioral Strategies 2
A patient with type 2 diabetes consistently forgets to take their evening medication.
Which behavioral strategy is most effective for addressing this?