Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

A patient who is reluctant to attend diabetes self-management education class states, "I already know all this stuff." What would be the most appropriate action for the educator?

1. Tell him that if he changes his mind he can call anytime. Document his refusal

2. Give him a pop quiz to help him see he does not know everything

3. Acknowledge his reluctance and ask if he might share some of his knowledge with others

4. Change the subject to minimize conflict then speak with his wife

The correct answer is: Acknowledge his reluctance and ask if he might share some of his knowledge with others

The most appropriate action is to acknowledge the patient's reluctance and ask if he might share some of his knowledge with others. This approach is beneficial for several reasons. First, it validates the patient's feelings, which can help build rapport and trust between the educator and the patient. Engaging the patient in a conversation about his existing knowledge fosters a sense of respect and encourages participation. Additionally, by inviting the patient to share his knowledge, the educator creates an opportunity to identify potential gaps in understanding without making the patient feel inadequate or defensive. This could lead to a more productive discussion about diabetes management, as it emphasizes collaboration rather than confrontation. It reinforces the idea that self-management education is a continual process, and even those who think they know a lot can benefit from sharing experiences and learning from others. In contrast, suggesting a pop quiz could create unnecessary anxiety or frustration, potentially alienating the patient rather than engaging him. Simply documenting his refusal without further conversation does not support the opportunity for education and may leave the patient feeling dismissed. Changing the subject and speaking with his wife might evade the underlying issue of the patient's reluctance, missing the chance to work directly with the patient to address his concerns and encourage a willingness to learn.