CHPN CHPN - Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse Patient Assessment and Planning Questions and Answers 3

Question 1

A hospice nurse is conducting an initial assessment of a patient with end-stage COPD. The patient states they want to continue using BiPAP at night. How should this be addressed in the care plan?

Accepted Answer

Continue BiPAP as it provides comfort and aligns with palliative goals

Answer

BiPAP can be continued in hospice when it provides symptom relief and aligns with the patient's comfort goals, as palliative care focuses on quality of life.

Question 2

During a hospice reassessment visit, the nurse notes that a patient with terminal cancer has developed new-onset confusion and agitation. What should the nurse assess first?

Accepted Answer

Reversible causes of delirium such as medication effects, constipation, or urinary retention

Answer

Assessing for reversible causes of delirium is the priority because conditions like medication toxicity, constipation, or urinary retention can be treated to restore comfort.

Question 3

A hospice patient's spouse asks the nurse why the patient is eating and drinking less as the disease progresses. Which response best reflects evidence-based palliative care principles?

Accepted Answer

Decreased appetite is a normal part of the dying process and forcing intake can cause discomfort

Answer

Decreased appetite and oral intake are expected physiological changes in the dying process, and forcing nutrition can lead to aspiration, nausea, and increased discomfort.

Question 4

Which standardized tool is most appropriate for a hospice nurse to use when assessing a patient's overall symptom burden across multiple domains?

Accepted Answer

Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS)

Answer

The ESAS evaluates multiple symptoms simultaneously including pain, fatigue, nausea, depression, anxiety, drowsiness, appetite, and shortness of breath on a 0-10 scale.

Question 5

A hospice nurse is developing an interdisciplinary care plan for a patient who expresses fear about dying alone. Which team member should be consulted first to address this concern?

Accepted Answer

The hospice social worker

Answer

The hospice social worker is trained to address psychosocial and emotional concerns including fear of dying, and can coordinate volunteer companionship and counseling resources.

CHPN - Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse Practice Test

CHPN - Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse Practice Test

CHPN CHPN - Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse Patient Assessment and Planning Questions and Answers 3