CDDN CERTIFIED DEVELOPMENTAL
DISABILITIES NURSE EXAM | QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL
DETAILED ANSWERS | ALREADY GRADED
A+ | LATEST EXAM
INTRODUCTION & EXAM OVERVIEW
The Certified Developmental Disabilities Nurse (CDDN) Exam is administered
by the Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association (DDNA) . This credential
validates expertise in caring for individuals with intellectual and developmental
disabilities (IDD). The exam covers health promotion, common syndromes and
disorders, behavioral and psychological aspects, medication management, and
community-based care.
Key Exam Facts:
, • Administering Agency: Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association
(DDNA)
• Exam Format: Computer-based, multiple-choice questions
• Renewal: Every 2 years through continuing education
Major Content Domains:
1. Health Promotion & Disease Prevention – Standard screening,
surveillance, preventive care
2. Common Syndromes & Disorders – Down syndrome, Fragile X, cerebral
palsy, autism spectrum disorder
3. Behavioral & Psychological Support – Applied Behavior Analysis, de-
escalation, positive behavior supports
4. Medication Management – Administration considerations, monitoring, side
effects
5. Communication & Advocacy – Nonverbal communication strategies,
person-centered planning
6. Legal & Ethical Standards – Confidentiality, informed consent, rights of
individuals with IDD
7. Interprofessional Collaboration – Care coordination across disciplines
8. Life Course Perspective – Care needs across the lifespan
SECTION 1: DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: DEFINITION & OVERVIEW
(Questions 1–15)
,Question 1
Developmental disability is best defined as:
A) A condition that only affects learning and cognition
B) A physical disability acquired after age 21
C) A severe, chronic disability originating before age 22
D) A temporary cognitive delay that resolves with treatment
Correct Answer: C) A severe, chronic disability originating before age 22
Rationale: Developmental disabilities are severe, chronic conditions that begin
before age 22 and cause functional limitations in major life activities. They are not
temporary, do not only affect learning, and are not acquired in adulthood.
Question 2
A developmental disability interferes with normal development and results in
substantial functional limitations in at least how many major life areas?
A) One
B) Two
C) Three
D) Four
Correct Answer: C) Three
Rationale: Developmental disabilities result in substantial functional limitations in
at least three major life areas, including self-care, receptive/expressive language,
learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living, and economic
self-sufficiency.
, Question 3
Which condition is considered a developmental disability?
A) Alzheimer's disease
B) Spinal cord injury sustained at age 45
C) Cerebral palsy
D) Parkinson's disease
Correct Answer: C) Cerebral palsy
Rationale: Cerebral palsy originates in early development (before, during, or shortly
after birth) and causes long-term functional impairment. Alzheimer's disease,
spinal cord injury in adulthood, and Parkinson's disease are not developmental
disabilities.
Question 4
At what age must a disability originate to be classified as a developmental
disability?
A) Before age 18
B) Before age 21
C) Before age 22
D) Before age 25
Correct Answer: C) Before age 22
Rationale: A developmental disability must manifest before age 22. This is a key
diagnostic criterion that distinguishes developmental disabilities from conditions
acquired later in life.
DISABILITIES NURSE EXAM | QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL
DETAILED ANSWERS | ALREADY GRADED
A+ | LATEST EXAM
INTRODUCTION & EXAM OVERVIEW
The Certified Developmental Disabilities Nurse (CDDN) Exam is administered
by the Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association (DDNA) . This credential
validates expertise in caring for individuals with intellectual and developmental
disabilities (IDD). The exam covers health promotion, common syndromes and
disorders, behavioral and psychological aspects, medication management, and
community-based care.
Key Exam Facts:
, • Administering Agency: Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association
(DDNA)
• Exam Format: Computer-based, multiple-choice questions
• Renewal: Every 2 years through continuing education
Major Content Domains:
1. Health Promotion & Disease Prevention – Standard screening,
surveillance, preventive care
2. Common Syndromes & Disorders – Down syndrome, Fragile X, cerebral
palsy, autism spectrum disorder
3. Behavioral & Psychological Support – Applied Behavior Analysis, de-
escalation, positive behavior supports
4. Medication Management – Administration considerations, monitoring, side
effects
5. Communication & Advocacy – Nonverbal communication strategies,
person-centered planning
6. Legal & Ethical Standards – Confidentiality, informed consent, rights of
individuals with IDD
7. Interprofessional Collaboration – Care coordination across disciplines
8. Life Course Perspective – Care needs across the lifespan
SECTION 1: DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: DEFINITION & OVERVIEW
(Questions 1–15)
,Question 1
Developmental disability is best defined as:
A) A condition that only affects learning and cognition
B) A physical disability acquired after age 21
C) A severe, chronic disability originating before age 22
D) A temporary cognitive delay that resolves with treatment
Correct Answer: C) A severe, chronic disability originating before age 22
Rationale: Developmental disabilities are severe, chronic conditions that begin
before age 22 and cause functional limitations in major life activities. They are not
temporary, do not only affect learning, and are not acquired in adulthood.
Question 2
A developmental disability interferes with normal development and results in
substantial functional limitations in at least how many major life areas?
A) One
B) Two
C) Three
D) Four
Correct Answer: C) Three
Rationale: Developmental disabilities result in substantial functional limitations in
at least three major life areas, including self-care, receptive/expressive language,
learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living, and economic
self-sufficiency.
, Question 3
Which condition is considered a developmental disability?
A) Alzheimer's disease
B) Spinal cord injury sustained at age 45
C) Cerebral palsy
D) Parkinson's disease
Correct Answer: C) Cerebral palsy
Rationale: Cerebral palsy originates in early development (before, during, or shortly
after birth) and causes long-term functional impairment. Alzheimer's disease,
spinal cord injury in adulthood, and Parkinson's disease are not developmental
disabilities.
Question 4
At what age must a disability originate to be classified as a developmental
disability?
A) Before age 18
B) Before age 21
C) Before age 22
D) Before age 25
Correct Answer: C) Before age 22
Rationale: A developmental disability must manifest before age 22. This is a key
diagnostic criterion that distinguishes developmental disabilities from conditions
acquired later in life.
