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Rationale of the Week | Most important action in case of fire?

For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on most important action in case of fire. Most of our respondents chose the best answer. GREAT JOB. We want use this rationale to share important resources on Disaster Preparedness.  We encourage you to pass this info on to people living with diabetes and your colleagues. Plus this info will prepare you for exam success!

Before we start though, if you don’t want any spoilers and haven’t tried the question yet, you can answer it below: Answer Question

Lightbulb and text: Rationale of the Week

Question:

JR lives with type 1 diabetes and uses an insulin pump and sensor. They live in an area that is fire prone and JR asks you about how they should prepare for an emergency if evacuation is required.

What action is most important?

Answer Choices:

  1. Make sure they have their health history documented and stored in a watertight bag.
  2. Prepare an emergency kit that includes at least one week’s worth of diabetes supplies.
  3. Keep a fire extinguisher within easy reach and know the exit routes.
  4. Reach out to emergency responders ahead of time to let them know that JR has type 1 diabetes.
Pie chart for Type 1 diabetes emergency prep steps.

Getting to the Best Answer

If you are thinking about taking the certification exam, this practice test question will set you up for success. Test writers anticipate possible answers based on the details in the question. They will wave those “juicy answers” right under your nose. Your job is to weed through the particulars, pluck out the most important elements and choose the BEST answer.

Answer 1 is incorrect. 2.38% chose this answer. “Make sure they have their health history documented and stored in a watertight bag.”  Having easy access to your health history, including emergency contacts, provider, list of current medications etc., is always a sound idea. Encourage people to have a copy on their electronic devices and a printed copy if possible. However, in this question, it is not the MOST important action. See Disaster Preparedness Resources & Printable Checklist.

Answer 2 is correct. 89.97% of you chose this answer. “Prepare an emergency kit that includes at least one week’s worth of diabetes supplies.”  YES, GREAT JOB. This is the best answer. Having a pre-packed get away bag that has at least one week of diabetes supplies, plus snacks, water, clothes, battery back-up for electronic devices and other items as detailed here Disaster Preparedness Resources & Printable Checklist is a top priority for people with diabetes. Disaster can strike at any time and planning ahead can be life saving.

Answer 3 is incorrect. About 4.48% of respondents chose this. “Keep a fire extinguisher within easy reach and know the exit routes.” All people benefit from having a fire extinguisher in their home and making sure there is a clear exit path.  However, this is not the most important action. See Disaster Preparedness Resources & Printable Checklist.

Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 3.17% chose this answer. “Reach out to emergency responders ahead of time to let them know that JR has type 1 diabetes.” It is important to sign-up for electronic and/or phone notifications of impending disasters to be alerted to emergencies.  However, there is not a system in place to notify emergency responders ahead of time that someone has type 1 diabetes. For more info, see Disaster Preparedness Resources & Printable Checklist.

We hope you appreciate this week’s rationale! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our Question of the Week and participate in this fun learning activity!

 

Resources for Disaster Preparedness

Disaster Preparedness Resources & Printable Checklist

Want to learn more about this question?

Join us live on July 18th, for our

Type 2 Diabetes Intensive

Level 4 | Advanced Level & Specialty Topics

Type 2 Diabetes Intensive Webinar with Coach Beverly

This course provides a detailed overview of the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes, prevention strategies, & cardiovascular risk reduction. In addition, we highlight type 2 treatment approaches including nutrition, activity, oral & injectable medications plus screening & treatment guidelines for micro & macrovascular diseases. Through case studies & discussion, we highlight strategies to focus on a person-centered approach along with attention to psychosocial care for people living with diabetes.

Objectives:

  1. Discuss the current epidemiology of type 2 diabetes.
  2. Describe the classification, terminology & diagnostic criteria for diabetes.
  3. Identify the eight pathophysiologic defects associated with the ominous octet.
  4. Describe evidence and strategies to prevent type 2 diabetes.
  5. State strategies to implement a person-centered approach to those with diabetes.
  6. Discuss key aspects of type 2 diabetes management including education, therapeutic lifestyle changes, glucose, lipid, & hypertension management plus referrals.
  7. Understand the overarching principles of management of type 2 DM.

Learning Outcome:

Attendees will be able to articulate and integrate into practice the impact, goals, and management strategies for people living with type 2 diabetes.

Target Audience:

This course is a knowledge-based activity designed for individuals or groups of diabetes professionals, including RNs, RDs/RDNs, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physician Assistants, and other healthcare providers interested in staying up to date on current practices of care for people with prediabetes, diabetes, and other related conditions. The practice areas for RDs/RDNs for CDR reporting are healthcare, preventative care, wellness, and, lifestyle along with, education and research. 

CDR Performance Indicators:

  • 10.4.2
  • 10.5.1

Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, has been Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management for over 15 years. She is an Associate Clinical Professor at UCSF, a working educator, and a nationally recognized diabetes expert.

All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information

Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post weekly Blog Bytes that are informative and FREE! Every week we post one exam practice Question of the Week and Rationale of the Week. Sign up below!

AccreditationDiabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and our Level 4 | Type 2 Diabetes Intensive awards 2.0 CPEUs in accordance with the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s CPEU Prior Approval Program.

The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the certification exam. CBDCE and ADCES do not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES or BC-ADM exams, except for those published by CBDCE & ADCES.

Get Ready – How to Prepare for Natural Disasters

As we enter fire and storm season, it’s always a good idea to think ahead and be prepared for disaster. For people living with diabetes, a “diabetes kit” is an important part of emergency preparedness. We are excited to share a few getting ready checklists and resources that we think are really helpful.

For any emergency scenario, it’s important to have an emergency preparedness plan that includes a meeting point, an exit route, a “get-away” bag, and communication strategies. Identify and inform the people who will be included in the emergency plan ahead of time and make sure everyone clearly knows what to do and what action to take.

An easy way to get started is to download the Checklist and Plan created by the Diabetes Disaster Response Coalition. We have also created a Disaster Checklist Word document that you can download and customize for yourselves. These checklists can help you start the conversation and commit the details to paper.

Disaster can happen in a moments notice. It’s important to plan ahead and be ready, especially for people living with diabetes.

Here are a few helpful resources for ourselves and our community:

Resources for People with Diabetes

General information from the Diabetes Disaster Response Coalition (DDRC) on preparedness for people living with diabetes.

Have an Emergency Diabetes Plan and Kit Ready: DDRC’s Diabetes Plan and Kit checklist includes helpful steps to take in preparation for disaster. The checklist details needed supplies and information that should be written down and kept in a waterproof container for emergency situations where is can be found by a health care provider to make informed emergency treatment decisions.

Stay Updated: Visit Breakthrough Type 1 Disaster Relief Resources and Diabetes Disaster Response Coalition includes information on how to access medical support, shelters, and open pharmacies during times of disaster.

Individuals with diabetes who need help: Call 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383). The American Diabetes Association Center For Information is open, MON.-FRI. 9 a.m. TO 7 p.m. ET. Representatives are regularly updated with information on how to access medical support, shelters, pharmacies, and more.

American Red Cross Shelters: Contact the American Red Cross directly at 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Resource For Health Care Providers:

  • Insulin Supply Hotline: During a disaster, call the emergency diabetes supply hotline 314-INSULIN (314-467-8546) if you know of diabetes supply shortages in your community (i.e. shelter, community center). The hotline is for health care providers only.
  • Diabetes Disaster Response Coalition (DRRC). If a disaster hits, people with diabetes may need emergency supplies and help fast. Please visit the DRRC website if you are a diabetes health care provider and are requesting information about diabetes supplies during disasters.

In addition to the items listed below, make sure to pack hand sanitizer, wipes, and masks due to the current pandemic. Also, bring your own pillow and bedding in case you need to spend time in a shelter.

Download, Share, and Personalize this Emergency Checklist

Emergency Evacuation-Items to Gather for People with Diabetes
We thought this list was a helpful way to prioritize what items to grab given different time frame limitations. We found it online and customized it for people with diabetes. It is available in Word or PDF. Thank you for sharing with your colleagues and community.

1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383) is an excellent referral resource for people with diabetes to call toll-free for updates on accessing medical support during an emergency.

 

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The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the CDCES exam. CBDCE does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES exam, except for those published by CBDCE.