CERTIFIED DEVELOPMENTAL
DISABILITIES NURSE (CDDN)
PRACTICE EXAM 2026 | 200
QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS &
RATIONALES | DDNA CERTIFICATION
TEST BANK – VERIFIED A+ STUDY
GUIDE
Core Domains
1. Foundations of Developmental Disabilities Nursing
2. Assessment and Diagnosis
3. Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
4. Common Syndromes and Disorders
5. Behavioral and Mental Health Support
6. Medical and Pharmacologic Management
7. Communication and Person-Centered Practice
8. Planning and Intervention
9. Safety and Crisis Intervention
10. Legal, Ethical, and Advocacy Responsibilities
Introduction
The Certified Developmental Disabilities Nurse (CDDN) Practice
Examination is designed to assess the knowledge, clinical
judgment, and professional competencies required of registered
nurses specializing in the care of individuals with intellectual and
developmental disabilities. The examination evaluates
foundational principles of developmental disabilities nursing,
comprehensive assessment, health promotion, syndrome-specific
care, behavioral support, medication management,
,communication strategies, and legal and ethical standards.
Candidates are assessed on their ability to apply person-centered
approaches, implement evidence-based interventions, and
advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities across the
lifespan. The exam utilizes multiple-choice and scenario-based
questions to emphasize real-world clinical application, critical
thinking, and safe, ethical decision-making.
Section One: Questions 1–100
1. Developmental disability is best defined as a severe,
chronic disability that:
A. Begins after age 22 and is characterized by mental illness
B. Is attributable to a mental or physical impairment, manifests
before age 22, and results in substantial functional limitations in
three or more major life activities
C. Is a temporary condition that resolves with early intervention
D. Affects only cognitive functioning and does not impact adaptive
skills
Correct answer: B
RATIONALE: A developmental disability is a severe, chronic
disability attributable to a mental or physical impairment (or
combination) that manifests before age 22, is likely to continue
indefinitely, and results in substantial functional limitations in
three or more major life activities, including self-care, receptive
and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction,
capacity for independent living, and economic self-sufficiency.
2. Which of the following is the primary role of the
Certified Developmental Disabilities Nurse?
A. To provide direct care only in institutional settings
B. To diagnose and treat medical conditions independently
,C. To provide holistic, person-centered nursing care across the
lifespan that addresses health, behavioral, and developmental
needs
D. To function primarily as an administrator in group homes
Correct answer: C
RATIONALE: The CDDN provides holistic, person-centered
nursing care to individuals with developmental disabilities across
the lifespan. The role encompasses assessment, planning,
intervention, evaluation, health promotion, advocacy, and
coordination of care in diverse settings.
3. A 32-year-old woman with Down syndrome presents
with a 2-week history of decreased appetite, increased
sleeping, and reluctance to participate in activities. She is
nonverbal and has been tugging at her ear and holding her
head. Her temperature is 37.8°C. Which assessment
finding is most critical to obtain next?
A. A urine sample to screen for a urinary tract infection
B. A comprehensive behavioral assessment to rule out depression
C. A review of her sleep and activity logs for the past two weeks
D. A tympanic membrane examination and otoscopy
Correct answer: D
RATIONALE: In a nonverbal individual with Down syndrome,
ear tugging and head holding are classic indicators of otitis
media, which is common in this population due to craniofacial
anatomy and immune function. Behavioral changes may be
secondary to pain. The tympanic membrane examination is the
priority assessment to identify and treat the underlying cause.
4. A 45-year-old woman with cerebral palsy and
intellectual disability has been prescribed an SSRI for
, depression. She is also taking carbamazepine for a seizure
disorder. Which laboratory monitoring is essential before
initiating the SSRI?
A. Serum creatinine and BUN
B. Liver function tests
C. Complete blood count
D. Electrolyte panel
Correct answer: B
RATIONALE: Carbamazepine is a hepatic enzyme inducer that
can affect the metabolism of SSRIs. Additionally, both
carbamazepine and some SSRIs can affect liver function. Baseline
liver function tests are essential before initiating the SSRI to
establish a reference point and monitor for hepatotoxicity.
5. During an annual wellness exam, a 28-year-old man
with autism spectrum disorder and limited verbal
communication demonstrates distress during the physical
assessment. His mother reports that he becomes agitated
with any interruptions to his routine. Which approach is
most appropriate for the nurse to use?
A. Proceed quickly with the exam to minimize distress
B. Use a visual schedule and social story to prepare him for the
exam
C. Postpone the exam until he is more compliant
D. Sedate him with a mild anxiolytic to facilitate the exam
Correct answer: B
RATIONALE: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder often
benefit from visual supports, social stories, and predictability.
Using a visual schedule and social story to prepare the individual
for the exam reduces anxiety, promotes cooperation, and
DISABILITIES NURSE (CDDN)
PRACTICE EXAM 2026 | 200
QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS &
RATIONALES | DDNA CERTIFICATION
TEST BANK – VERIFIED A+ STUDY
GUIDE
Core Domains
1. Foundations of Developmental Disabilities Nursing
2. Assessment and Diagnosis
3. Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
4. Common Syndromes and Disorders
5. Behavioral and Mental Health Support
6. Medical and Pharmacologic Management
7. Communication and Person-Centered Practice
8. Planning and Intervention
9. Safety and Crisis Intervention
10. Legal, Ethical, and Advocacy Responsibilities
Introduction
The Certified Developmental Disabilities Nurse (CDDN) Practice
Examination is designed to assess the knowledge, clinical
judgment, and professional competencies required of registered
nurses specializing in the care of individuals with intellectual and
developmental disabilities. The examination evaluates
foundational principles of developmental disabilities nursing,
comprehensive assessment, health promotion, syndrome-specific
care, behavioral support, medication management,
,communication strategies, and legal and ethical standards.
Candidates are assessed on their ability to apply person-centered
approaches, implement evidence-based interventions, and
advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities across the
lifespan. The exam utilizes multiple-choice and scenario-based
questions to emphasize real-world clinical application, critical
thinking, and safe, ethical decision-making.
Section One: Questions 1–100
1. Developmental disability is best defined as a severe,
chronic disability that:
A. Begins after age 22 and is characterized by mental illness
B. Is attributable to a mental or physical impairment, manifests
before age 22, and results in substantial functional limitations in
three or more major life activities
C. Is a temporary condition that resolves with early intervention
D. Affects only cognitive functioning and does not impact adaptive
skills
Correct answer: B
RATIONALE: A developmental disability is a severe, chronic
disability attributable to a mental or physical impairment (or
combination) that manifests before age 22, is likely to continue
indefinitely, and results in substantial functional limitations in
three or more major life activities, including self-care, receptive
and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction,
capacity for independent living, and economic self-sufficiency.
2. Which of the following is the primary role of the
Certified Developmental Disabilities Nurse?
A. To provide direct care only in institutional settings
B. To diagnose and treat medical conditions independently
,C. To provide holistic, person-centered nursing care across the
lifespan that addresses health, behavioral, and developmental
needs
D. To function primarily as an administrator in group homes
Correct answer: C
RATIONALE: The CDDN provides holistic, person-centered
nursing care to individuals with developmental disabilities across
the lifespan. The role encompasses assessment, planning,
intervention, evaluation, health promotion, advocacy, and
coordination of care in diverse settings.
3. A 32-year-old woman with Down syndrome presents
with a 2-week history of decreased appetite, increased
sleeping, and reluctance to participate in activities. She is
nonverbal and has been tugging at her ear and holding her
head. Her temperature is 37.8°C. Which assessment
finding is most critical to obtain next?
A. A urine sample to screen for a urinary tract infection
B. A comprehensive behavioral assessment to rule out depression
C. A review of her sleep and activity logs for the past two weeks
D. A tympanic membrane examination and otoscopy
Correct answer: D
RATIONALE: In a nonverbal individual with Down syndrome,
ear tugging and head holding are classic indicators of otitis
media, which is common in this population due to craniofacial
anatomy and immune function. Behavioral changes may be
secondary to pain. The tympanic membrane examination is the
priority assessment to identify and treat the underlying cause.
4. A 45-year-old woman with cerebral palsy and
intellectual disability has been prescribed an SSRI for
, depression. She is also taking carbamazepine for a seizure
disorder. Which laboratory monitoring is essential before
initiating the SSRI?
A. Serum creatinine and BUN
B. Liver function tests
C. Complete blood count
D. Electrolyte panel
Correct answer: B
RATIONALE: Carbamazepine is a hepatic enzyme inducer that
can affect the metabolism of SSRIs. Additionally, both
carbamazepine and some SSRIs can affect liver function. Baseline
liver function tests are essential before initiating the SSRI to
establish a reference point and monitor for hepatotoxicity.
5. During an annual wellness exam, a 28-year-old man
with autism spectrum disorder and limited verbal
communication demonstrates distress during the physical
assessment. His mother reports that he becomes agitated
with any interruptions to his routine. Which approach is
most appropriate for the nurse to use?
A. Proceed quickly with the exam to minimize distress
B. Use a visual schedule and social story to prepare him for the
exam
C. Postpone the exam until he is more compliant
D. Sedate him with a mild anxiolytic to facilitate the exam
Correct answer: B
RATIONALE: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder often
benefit from visual supports, social stories, and predictability.
Using a visual schedule and social story to prepare the individual
for the exam reduces anxiety, promotes cooperation, and
