Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

What possible barrier should the educator further investigate when a patient does not look at the label when taking medication?

1. Financial

2. Cognitive

3. Health literacy

4. Fear of side effects

The correct answer is: Health literacy

When a patient does not look at the medication label, it indicates a potential issue with health literacy. Health literacy encompasses a person's ability to read, understand, and utilize health-related information, including medication instructions. If a patient struggles with health literacy, they may find it challenging to comprehend the information provided on medication labels, leading to the oversight of important details such as dosage, frequency, and potential interactions. Understanding health literacy is crucial for healthcare professionals because it directly impacts patients' ability to manage their health effectively. An educator should investigate this barrier to determine if the patient requires additional support or resources to enhance their understanding of how to use medications safely and effectively. This exploration may include assessing the patient's ability to read and understand health information, and potentially providing tailored education and tools to improve their confidence and competence in managing their medications.