Preparing for the Exam

Examination Development

1/14/2009

The examination is prepared by NCBDE, with the advice and assistance of its contracted testing agency. Individual questions are developed by CDEs with expertise in diabetes education and are reviewed for relevancy, consistency, accuracy, and appropriateness by NCBDE.

Sample Questions

In the following questions, choose the one best answer. (Answers available at bottom of page)

  1. In persons with diabetes, the symptoms of serious psychological depression may resemble
    1. the "dawn phenomenon".
    2. the onset of nephropathy.
    3. symptoms of chronic hypoglycemic episodes.
    4. symptoms of chronic high blood glucose levels.
  2. According to the most recent American Diabetes Association Guidelines, a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus may be confirmed by the findings of
    1. weight loss.
    2. polydipsia and polyuria.
    3. two random plasma glucose levels of 145 mg/dL.
    4. two fasting plasma glucose levels of 135 mg/dL.
  3. According to the most recent American Diabetes Association Nutrition Guidelines, the recommended fat content for a diabetes meal plan is
    1. individualized.
    2. 10% of calorie intake.
    3. 30% of calorie intake.
    4. dependent on patient's age.
  4. According to DCCT participants striving for good control, some adverse effects of intensive treatment were
    1. multiple injections causing lipohypertrophy.
    2. marked hormonal changes requiring more insulin.
    3. weight gain and risk of severe hypoglycemia.
    4. insulin resistance caused by hyperinsulinemia.
  5. Metformin is an oral antidiabetic agent different than that of sulfonylurea drugs. Some features of the drug are that it
    1. stimulates insulin secretion and increases hepatic glucose production.
    2. causes hypoglycemia.
    3. lowers hyperglycemia in persons with diabetes, but does not lower blood glucose levels in persons who do not have diabetes.
    4. results in weight gain and increase in plasma insulin levels.
  6. Which of the following is a major clinical feature of hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome?
    1. large ketones
    2. profound dehydration
    3. nausea and vomiting
    4. severe acidosis
  7. A 25 year-old female is on a basal/bolus regimen using Lantus® (insulin glargine) at bedtime and Humalog® (insulin lispro) before meals. For the past 5 days, her morning fasting blood glucose tests have been consistently high, but all other blood glucose tests during the day have remained in her suggested target range. Which of the following changes in insulin regime would MOST likely be recommended?
         A. increase the evening meal Humalog® (insulin lispro) dose
         B. increase the bedtime Lantus® (insulin glargine) dose
         C. decrease the evening meal Humalog® (insulin lispro) dose
         D. decrease the bedtime Lantus® (insulin glargine) dose
  1. One of the most important keys to successful management of type 2 diabetes is teaching the person
    1. meal planning.
    2. regular urine testing.
    3. signs and treatment of hypoglycemia.
    4. selection and use of over-the-counter medications.
  2. A 48-year-old man with type 2 diabetes wants to begin an exercise program. He has had diabetes for 8 years, takes no medication, monitors blood glucose twice a day, has no complications from diabetes, is 130% of ideal body weight, and follows a 1600 calorie meal plan. What adjustments to food intake, if any, should be suggested to him?
    1. He should carry a fast-acting carbohydrate with him.
    2. He should increase his diet by 300 calories to prevent hunger during exercise.
    3. He should increase his carbohydrate intake before exercising.
    4. There should be no change in diet.
  3. A 14 year-old female is currently on insulin pump therapy. It is noted that her hemoglobin A1C is 14%. She insists that she boluses for her insulin based on suggested insulin/carbohydrate ratios and insulin sensitivity factors. What is the MOST likely reason for her high A1C?
          A. The insulin/carbohydrate ratios for meals need to be increased.
          B. The insulin sensitivity factor needs to be decreased.
          C. Her infusion sets need to be changed more frequently.
          D. She forgets to bolus for meals and snacks.

Correct Answers to Sample Questions

  1. D
  2. D
  3. A
  4. C
  5. C
  6. B
  7. B
  8. A
  9. D
  10. D