Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

If a patient cannot recall what they ate in the past 24 hours, what should the educator do next?

1. Note "patient does not recall" and move onto the next question

2. Invite their spouse, who has accompanied them, to help recall what they ate

3. Give them a 24-hour diet log sheet to complete by next week

4. Encourage them by prompting "now honey, I can't believe that a man as smart as you can't come up with anything"

The correct answer is: Invite their spouse, who has accompanied them, to help recall what they ate

Inviting the spouse who has accompanied the patient to help recall what they ate is an effective strategy because family members, particularly those who regularly share meals, can provide useful insights and reminders that might jog the patient’s memory. This collaborative approach engages support systems that can facilitate better communication and deeper understanding of the patient's eating habits. It also acknowledges that memory lapses can occur due to various reasons, including stress, health conditions, or simply forgetfulness, and having another person present can alleviate some pressure from the patient. Involving a spouse or caregiver not only aids in gathering accurate dietary information but also fosters a supportive environment that can enhance motivation and accountability in the management of diabetes. This method ensures a more comprehensive assessment of dietary habits, which is vital for creating effective educational interventions and personalized care plans.