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

Hospice philosophy affirms life, regards dying as a normal process, and focuses on comfort rather than curative treatment.

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

Referring to a chaplain or spiritual care provider addresses existential distress, which is a core component of holistic hospice care.

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

The death rattle is caused by the accumulation of secretions in the upper airway as the patient loses the ability to swallow or cough.

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

The nurse's primary role is patient education and facilitating autonomous decision-making, not directing the patient toward any particular choice.

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

Asking the patient about their own beliefs and sources of comfort is a therapeutic response that validates their spirituality without imposing the nurse's views.

CHPN - Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse Practice Test

CHPN - Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse Practice Test

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