Professional Skills Flashcards

An RDN who is also a certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES) is practicing within her area of expertise. This exemplifies which professional practice concept?

Answer: Advanced practice within an expanded area of expertise

Obtaining additional certifications like CDCES allows RDNs to practice in specialized areas with demonstrated advanced competency.

Which of the following scenarios represents a potential conflict of interest for an RDN?

Answer: Recommending a supplement brand from which the RDN receives a commission without disclosing this to clients

Receiving undisclosed financial compensation for recommending specific products constitutes a conflict of interest and violates the RDN's Code of Ethics.

An RDN is using motivational interviewing (MI) with a client who is ambivalent about changing their eating habits. Which MI technique would be MOST appropriate to elicit change talk?

Answer: Asking the client open-ended questions about their reasons for wanting to change

Open-ended questions are a core MI technique that encourage clients to articulate their own motivations and reasons for change.

Which of the following best describes the RDN's responsibility regarding evidence-based practice?

Answer: Integrating current best evidence with clinical expertise and patient values to guide decisions

Evidence-based practice requires integrating the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences for individualized care.

A hospital RDN is asked to develop a policy for nutrition screening of all inpatients. Which resource would be MOST appropriate to consult first?

Answer: The Joint Commission standards and current evidence-based clinical practice guidelines

Policy development should be guided by accreditation standards such as those from The Joint Commission along with current evidence-based clinical guidelines.

An RDN realizes mid-session that a client's question falls outside their area of competence. What is the appropriate professional response?

Answer: Acknowledge the limitation and refer or consult with an appropriate specialist

Practicing within one's competence and appropriately referring clients when questions exceed one's expertise is an ethical and professional obligation.

Which of the following is an example of an RDN demonstrating leadership in the workplace?

Answer: Mentoring a new dietitian and advocating for improved nutrition services within the organization

Leadership in dietetics includes mentoring colleagues and advocating for the value of nutrition services within healthcare organizations.