Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

Who would be the most appropriate team member for a patient concerned about medication dosing and potential side effects?

1. The doctor who prescribed the medications

2. A mental health professional

3. The pharmacist assigned to the healthcare team

4. The registered dietitian, who is also a CDCES

The correct answer is: The pharmacist assigned to the healthcare team

The pharmacist assigned to the healthcare team is the most appropriate choice for a patient concerned about medication dosing and potential side effects. Pharmacists are highly trained in understanding medications, including their mechanisms of action, appropriate dosages, interactions, and potential side effects. They play a crucial role in patient education by providing detailed information about how to take medications properly, what to expect, and how to manage any adverse effects. Furthermore, pharmacists often have the expertise to conduct medication reviews, ensuring that the patient is on the most effective therapy while considering their individual health conditions and other medications they might be taking. This level of knowledge makes them invaluable resources for patients addressing concerns specific to pharmacotherapy. While the prescribing doctor has a key role in determining the medication regimen, they may not have as much time to delve into the detailed aspects of medication management. A mental health professional, while important for emotional and psychological support, is not focused on medication concerns. Similarly, while a registered dietitian who is also a CDCES can offer helpful insights about nutrition and diabetes management, their primary focus is not pharmaceutical care. Thus, the pharmacist is best equipped to address medication-related inquiries comprehensively.