Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

What method should be used to assess a patient's insulin administration skills?

1. Return demonstration

2. Asking the patient to explain the process

3. Verbal acknowledgment of understanding

4. Completion of a brief post-test

The correct answer is: Return demonstration

The return demonstration method is essential in assessing a patient's insulin administration skills because it allows the healthcare provider to observe the patient performing the task in real-time. This hands-on approach provides valuable insights into the patient's actual ability to administer insulin correctly, including technique, safety measures, and problem-solving skills in real-life scenarios. While asking the patient to explain the process can provide some insight into their understanding, it does not demonstrate their ability to execute the task. Verbal acknowledgment of understanding is limited as it relies on the patient's perception of their skills rather than an actual assessment. Completing a brief post-test can offer some evaluation but may not comprehensively assess practical abilities. The return demonstration specifically focuses on ensuring the patient can perform the insulin administration correctly and confidently, making it the most effective method for this assessment.