Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

What emotional stage is a patient exhibiting when convinced that avoiding a certain food will prevent the need for insulin?

1. Denial

2. Anger

3. Bargaining

4. Frustration and depression

The correct answer is: Bargaining

The emotional stage described reflects the concept of bargaining. In this stage, individuals often try to negotiate or find ways to exert control over their circumstances, especially concerning their health. A patient who believes that avoiding a certain food will eliminate the need for insulin is attempting to negotiate terms with their reality in the context of their diabetes management. This thought process shows a desire to find a manageable solution, which is a hallmark of the bargaining phase. In contrast, denial would involve the refusal to accept the reality of their illness, possibly leading the patient to ignore the necessity of insulin altogether. Anger might manifest as frustration with the situation or the disease itself, whereas frustration and depression are emotional responses to feeling overwhelmed and helpless about managing diabetes. These other stages illustrate different emotional responses that do not directly align with the patient’s belief in food avoidance as a means to control their insulin requirements.