CHPN CHPN - Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse Medications and Pharmacology 2

Question 1

Haloperidol (Haldol) is commonly used in hospice primarily for which symptom?

Accepted Answer

Terminal agitation and delirium

Answer

Haloperidol is the most frequently used antipsychotic in hospice for managing terminal agitation, delirium, and nausea unresponsive to other agents.

Question 2

When a hospice patient can no longer swallow oral medications, which route is generally preferred for ongoing symptom management?

Accepted Answer

Subcutaneous continuous infusion

Answer

Subcutaneous continuous infusion (via a syringe driver or pump) is the preferred route in hospice when oral medications can no longer be used, as it is comfortable and easy to manage at home.

Question 3

A nurse is preparing to titrate a continuous morphine infusion for a patient in uncontrolled pain. What is the standard recommendation for opioid dose titration?

Accepted Answer

Increase by 25–50% of the current dose when pain is not controlled

Answer

Standard opioid titration calls for a 25–50% dose increase when the current dose is ineffective, balancing efficacy with safety.

Question 4

Which medication is considered the drug of choice for neuropathic pain in palliative care?

Accepted Answer

Gabapentin (Neurontin)

Answer

Gabapentin is a first-line agent for neuropathic pain (burning, shooting, or electric-type pain) commonly seen in advanced malignancy and other terminal conditions.

Question 5

A hospice patient taking methadone for pain requires careful monitoring because methadone has:

Accepted Answer

An unpredictable and long half-life that increases risk of accumulation and overdose

Answer

Methadone has an unpredictable half-life (ranging from 8 to 80 hours), which creates significant risk of drug accumulation and delayed respiratory depression.

CHPN - Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse Practice Test

CHPN - Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse Practice Test

CHPN CHPN - Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse Medications and Pharmacology 2