ACHPN Palliative Care Assessment and Diagnosis

Question 1

Which validated tool is most appropriate for conducting a comprehensive palliative care needs assessment in a hospice patient?

Accepted Answer

Palliative Performance Scale (PPS)

Answer

CAGE questionnaire

Answer

PHQ-9

Answer

Mini-Mental State Examination

Question 2

When assessing dyspnea in a palliative care patient, which approach best reflects advanced practice nursing competency?

Accepted Answer

Use a patient self-report scale combined with clinical observation

Answer

Rely solely on oxygen saturation readings

Answer

Administer oxygen until SpO2 normalizes

Answer

Order a chest X-ray as the first step

Question 3

A patient with advanced COPD reports fatigue rated 8/10. Which assessment domain should the ACHPN prioritize next?

Accepted Answer

Psychological, spiritual, and social contributors to fatigue

Answer

Fluid and electrolyte balance only

Answer

Pulmonary function testing

Answer

Dietary calorie intake

Question 4

Which finding on a palliative care assessment most strongly indicates a need for immediate goals-of-care conversation?

Accepted Answer

Functional decline to PPS 30% or below

Answer

Patient requests additional pain medication

Answer

Family reports patient is sleeping more

Answer

Patient declines a meal

Question 5

When performing a spiritual assessment using the FICA tool in a palliative patient, what does the 'A' stand for?

Accepted Answer

Address in care

Answer

Anxiety

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Advance directive

Question 6

Which assessment finding would prompt the ACHPN to initiate a delirium workup in a hospice patient?

Accepted Answer

Acute onset confusion with fluctuating consciousness

Answer

Gradual weight loss over weeks

Answer

Mild memory complaints for months

Answer

Preference to sleep during daytime