For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on Why a 16 year old stopped taking their medication. 88% of respondents chose the best answer. We want to clarify and share this important information, so you can pass it on to people living with diabetes and your colleagues, plus prepare 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
Question: A 16 year old tells you they stopped taking their diabetes medications. “It doesn’t seem to matter whether or not I take them”.
What is the best response?
Answer Choices:
- Acknowledge their honesty and ask them to discuss with their provider.
- Gently remind them that stopping their meds is dangerous.
- Ask them if they are experiencing trauma at home.
- Explore possible reasons for this action.
Getting to the Best Answer
Answer 1 is incorrect. 6.9% chose this answer. “Acknowledge their honesty and ask them to discuss with their provider.” The first part of this answer is correct. We want to acknowledge their honesty and provide a non-judgmental environment. However, we want to explore their feelings further as part of this current appointment instead of stopping the conversation and deferring to the provider. For more information on this topic, you are invited to our Language and Diabetes Webinar. We hope you can join us. See below for more info!
Answer 2 is incorrect.2.39% of you chose this answer. “Gently remind them that stopping their meds is dangerous.” This person is experiencing diabetes distress, so we want to acknowledge their feelings and explore strategies to decease distress. When people with diabetes are experiencing distress, approaching the situation with curiosity and non-judgment is always the best approach. For more information on this topic, you are invited to our Language and Diabetes Webinar. We hope you can join us. See below for more info!
Answer 3 is incorrect. About 1.59% of respondents chose this. “Ask them if they are experiencing trauma at home.” While trauma at home can cause significant distress, this individual has stopped taking their diabetes medications since they are not sure if they actually work. Asking about trauma at home doesn’t match the concern they are verbalizing at this moment. When people with diabetes are experiencing distress, approaching the situation with curiosity and non-judgment is always the best approach. For more information on this topic, you are invited to our Language and Diabetes Webinar. We hope you can join us. See below for more info!
Finally, Answer 4 is correct. 89% chose this answer. “Explore possible reasons for this action.” YES, this is the best answer and almost 90% of respondents chose this answer. GREAT JOB. When people with diabetes are experiencing distress, approaching the situation with curiosity and non-judgment is always the best approach. For more information on this topic, you are invited to our Language and Diabetes Webinar. We hope you can join us. See below for more info!
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!
Want to learn more about this question?
Join us live on July 11th at 11:30 am PST for our
Language and Diabetes FREE Webinar
What we say matters.
As educators, advocates, spouses, friends, and providers, our use of language can deeply affect the self-view of people living with diabetes every day.
Intentional communication is a powerful tool that can uncover trauma, identify barriers, and move both the provider and person with diabetes toward a greater understanding of the issues involved.
The language used in the health care setting is immensely important in determining trust, mutual respect, and meaningful long-term relationships.
Topics covered include:
- Learn phrases, words, and approaches that can be left behind.
- Describe diabetes language that is respectful, inclusive, person-centered, and imparts hope.
- Discuss how to evaluate for ACE and provide trauma-informed care
- Practice communicating about diabetes using phrases free from judgment with a focus on a strength-based approach
This webinar is free and you can view it at any time, on any device. To earn CEs, you can purchase this course at our online university store.
Coach Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, BC-ADM, CDCES
Author, Nurse, Educator, Clinician, and Innovator, Beverly has specialized in diabetes management for over twenty years. As president and founder of Diabetes Educational Services, Beverly is dedicated to optimizing diabetes care and improving the lives of those with diabetes.
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
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