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CERTIFIED DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES NURSE (CDDN) –
PRACTICE EXAM 2026 ACTUAL VERSION RELEVANT TO
SITTING EXAM
EXAM OVERVIEW
This CDDN Practice Exam (Version 2) evaluates advanced nursing competence in
caring for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across
the lifespan. The exam emphasizes clinical judgment, ethical practice, health
equity, behavioral support, interdisciplinary collaboration, and advocacy.
Exam Format
• Total Questions: 100
• Type: Multiple Choice (A–D)
• Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced
• Primary Domains:
1. Developmental Disabilities Foundations
2. Comprehensive Assessment & Care Planning
3. Health Promotion & Chronic Disease Management
4. Behavioral Health & Crisis Intervention
5. Medical & Medication Management
6. Communication & Person-Centered Practice
7. Legal, Ethical, and Advocacy Responsibilities
8. Safety, Abuse Prevention & Quality of Life
Each question includes a correct answer and a clear, exam-focused rationale.
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SECTION 1: FOUNDATIONS OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
NURSING (Q1–15)
1. A developmental disability is distinguished from an
acquired disability because it:
A. Is always genetic
B. Occurs only in childhood
C. Originates during the developmental period
D. Affects physical function only
Answer: C
Rationale: Developmental disabilities begin during the
developmental period and typically persist lifelong.
2. Which philosophy best guides nursing care for individuals
with IDD?
A. Medical dominance
B. Task-oriented care
C. Person-centered practice
D. Institutional efficiency
Answer: C
Rationale: Person-centered practice prioritizes choice, dignity,
and self-determination.
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3. Which condition is classified as a developmental disability?
A. Stroke
B. Spinal cord injury
C. Fragile X syndrome
D. Parkinson disease
Answer: C
Rationale: Fragile X syndrome is a genetic developmental
disability.
4. Adaptive behavior refers to an individual’s ability to:
A. Solve abstract problems
B. Manage daily life skills
C. Demonstrate emotional control
D. Maintain physical endurance
Answer: B
Rationale: Adaptive behavior includes self-care,
communication, and social skills.
5. Nurses working with individuals with IDD should primarily
focus on:
A. Deficit correction
B. Long-term institutionalization
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C. Strengths and support needs
D. Behavioral compliance
Answer: C
Rationale: Strength-based care improves independence and
quality of life.
6. Which disorder is characterized by impaired social
communication and restricted interests?
A. ADHD
B. Autism spectrum disorder
C. Cerebral palsy
D. Tourette syndrome
Answer: B
Rationale: Autism spectrum disorder primarily affects social
interaction and communication.
7. Developmental disabilities nursing spans which age range?
A. Birth to adolescence
B. Adolescence to adulthood
C. Adulthood only
D. Entire lifespan
Answer: D
Rationale: Individuals with IDD require lifespan-oriented care.
CERTIFIED DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES NURSE (CDDN) –
PRACTICE EXAM 2026 ACTUAL VERSION RELEVANT TO
SITTING EXAM
EXAM OVERVIEW
This CDDN Practice Exam (Version 2) evaluates advanced nursing competence in
caring for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across
the lifespan. The exam emphasizes clinical judgment, ethical practice, health
equity, behavioral support, interdisciplinary collaboration, and advocacy.
Exam Format
• Total Questions: 100
• Type: Multiple Choice (A–D)
• Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced
• Primary Domains:
1. Developmental Disabilities Foundations
2. Comprehensive Assessment & Care Planning
3. Health Promotion & Chronic Disease Management
4. Behavioral Health & Crisis Intervention
5. Medical & Medication Management
6. Communication & Person-Centered Practice
7. Legal, Ethical, and Advocacy Responsibilities
8. Safety, Abuse Prevention & Quality of Life
Each question includes a correct answer and a clear, exam-focused rationale.
,2
SECTION 1: FOUNDATIONS OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
NURSING (Q1–15)
1. A developmental disability is distinguished from an
acquired disability because it:
A. Is always genetic
B. Occurs only in childhood
C. Originates during the developmental period
D. Affects physical function only
Answer: C
Rationale: Developmental disabilities begin during the
developmental period and typically persist lifelong.
2. Which philosophy best guides nursing care for individuals
with IDD?
A. Medical dominance
B. Task-oriented care
C. Person-centered practice
D. Institutional efficiency
Answer: C
Rationale: Person-centered practice prioritizes choice, dignity,
and self-determination.
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3. Which condition is classified as a developmental disability?
A. Stroke
B. Spinal cord injury
C. Fragile X syndrome
D. Parkinson disease
Answer: C
Rationale: Fragile X syndrome is a genetic developmental
disability.
4. Adaptive behavior refers to an individual’s ability to:
A. Solve abstract problems
B. Manage daily life skills
C. Demonstrate emotional control
D. Maintain physical endurance
Answer: B
Rationale: Adaptive behavior includes self-care,
communication, and social skills.
5. Nurses working with individuals with IDD should primarily
focus on:
A. Deficit correction
B. Long-term institutionalization
, 4
C. Strengths and support needs
D. Behavioral compliance
Answer: C
Rationale: Strength-based care improves independence and
quality of life.
6. Which disorder is characterized by impaired social
communication and restricted interests?
A. ADHD
B. Autism spectrum disorder
C. Cerebral palsy
D. Tourette syndrome
Answer: B
Rationale: Autism spectrum disorder primarily affects social
interaction and communication.
7. Developmental disabilities nursing spans which age range?
A. Birth to adolescence
B. Adolescence to adulthood
C. Adulthood only
D. Entire lifespan
Answer: D
Rationale: Individuals with IDD require lifespan-oriented care.
