CHPN CHPN - Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse End-of-Life Care and Spiritual Considerations

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the hospice philosophy of care?

Accepted Answer

Comfort-focused care that affirms life and regards dying as a normal process

Answer

Aggressive curative treatment until death

Answer

Isolation of the patient from family to reduce emotional burden

Answer

Mandatory hospitalization for all end-of-life patients

Question 2

A patient with terminal cancer expresses that they feel their life has been meaningless. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Offer a referral to the hospital chaplain or spiritual care provider

Answer

Reassure the patient that their life had meaning without further exploration

Answer

Document the statement and continue with physical care

Answer

Contact the family immediately to address the patient's concerns

Question 3

Which sign is most consistent with the 'death rattle' observed in the final hours of life?

Accepted Answer

Noisy, wet respirations caused by pooled secretions

Answer

High-pitched inspiratory stridor

Answer

Rapid, shallow breathing with fever

Answer

Periods of apnea lasting more than 2 minutes

Question 4

When discussing advance directives with a patient, the hospice nurse's PRIMARY role is to:

Accepted Answer

Ensure the patient understands their options and documents their wishes

Answer

Complete the POLST form on behalf of the patient

Answer

Advise the patient to choose DNR status

Answer

Defer all advance care planning to the attending physician

Question 5

A dying patient asks the nurse, 'Am I going to heaven?' The best initial response is:

Accepted Answer

Ask the patient what they believe and what gives them comfort

Answer

Tell the patient what you personally believe about the afterlife

Answer

Deflect by saying 'Let's focus on making you comfortable right now'

Answer

Contact the chaplain before responding to the patient

Question 6

Mottling of the skin in a dying patient typically indicates:

Accepted Answer

Decreased peripheral circulation as death approaches

Answer

Infection spreading through the bloodstream

Answer

An allergic reaction to current medications

Answer

A need to increase IV fluid administration