CHPN CHPN - Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse Professional Practice Issues Questions and Answers 3

Question 1

A hospice nurse is asked to provide a verbal order for a medication change but the attending physician is temporarily unreachable. Under what circumstance can the hospice nurse proceed?

Accepted Answer

The nurse may obtain an order from another authorized provider such as the hospice medical director

Answer

The nurse can independently prescribe the medication if it is on the hospice formulary

Answer

The nurse may administer any medication deemed necessary using clinical judgment alone

Answer

The nurse should wait indefinitely until the attending physician responds

Question 2

A hospice agency is preparing for a state survey. Which documentation element is most critical for demonstrating compliance with hospice regulations?

Accepted Answer

Evidence that the plan of care is reviewed by the IDG at least every 15 days

Answer

Staff meeting attendance records

Answer

Marketing materials distributed to referral sources

Answer

Annual employee satisfaction survey results

Question 3

A newly admitted hospice patient's cultural background includes traditional healing practices that conflict with standard pain management protocols. What is the most appropriate nursing response?

Accepted Answer

Incorporate the patient's cultural practices into the plan of care when safe to do so

Answer

Insist that the patient follow only evidence-based medical protocols

Answer

Document the patient's refusal of standard treatment and discontinue services

Answer

Refer the patient to a different hospice agency that specializes in cultural care

Question 4

Which action by a hospice nurse would constitute a violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)?

Accepted Answer

Sharing a patient's diagnosis with a neighbor who asks about the patient's health

Answer

Discussing a patient's condition with the IDG during a care conference

Answer

Documenting symptom changes in the patient's electronic health record

Answer

Providing clinical information to the patient's pharmacy for medication dispensing

Question 5

A hospice nurse notices signs of elder abuse during a home visit. The patient asks the nurse not to report it. What is the nurse's legal obligation?

Accepted Answer

Report the suspected abuse to the appropriate adult protective services agency as mandated by law

Answer

Respect the patient's autonomy and honor the request not to report

Answer

Document the findings but defer reporting until the patient gives consent

Answer

Discuss the situation only with the patient's family members

Question 6

What is the hospice nurse's role regarding advance directive education for newly admitted patients?

Accepted Answer

The nurse should inform patients about their right to establish or update advance directives as part of the admission process

Answer

Advance directive discussions are solely the responsibility of the social worker

Answer

Advance directives are only discussed if the patient specifically requests information

Answer

The nurse should complete the advance directive documents on behalf of the patient