CHPN Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CHPN facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which hospice Medicare/Medicaid benefit service would be covered for the hospice patient? → Transportation and visits to the emergency room that are arranged by the hospice provider
2. A hospice patient with advanced cancer has an ECOG Performance Status of 4. This means the patient is: → Completely disabled, unable to carry on any self-care, totally confined to bed or chair
3. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial pharmacological treatment for opioid-induced constipation in a hospice patient? → Stimulant laxative such as senna with or without a stool softener
4. Which document specifically designates a surrogate decision-maker for healthcare decisions when a patient lacks capacity? → Durable power of attorney for healthcare
5. Unilateral vesicular eruptions are observed by a nurse uWhich of the following describes the patient's back's dermatomal distribution ought to be doubted? → Herpes zoster
6. A POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) form differs from a standard advance directive primarily because it: → Is a legal medical order immediately actionable by emergency responders
7. A patient rates their pain 3/10 and states they are comfortable. The nurse observes mild grimacing. What is the most appropriate action? → Document the self-report of 3/10 as the pain score and reassess per protocol
8. When educating a hospice patient about their right to revoke the hospice benefit, the nurse should explain that: → The patient may revoke at any time and return to curative treatment coverage
9. Which medication class is typically used as a first-line adjuvant for neuropathic pain in palliative care patients? → Gabapentinoids (e.g., gabapentin, pregabalin)
10. Which medication is most appropriate for managing terminal secretions (death rattle) in an actively dying hospice patient? → Glycopyrrolate
11. The daily maximum amount of acetaminophen is _ grams. → 2
12. Which of the following is an appropriate intervention for dyspnea in a hospice patient who is not responsive to supplemental oxygen? → Low-dose oral morphine
13. When discussing advance directives with a patient, the hospice nurse's PRIMARY role is to: → Ensure the patient understands their options and documents their wishes
14. What is terminal sedation (palliative sedation) primarily used for in hospice care? → To manage refractory symptoms that are unresponsive to other treatments
15. Which practice best supports a hospice nurse's own resilience and professional longevity? → Engaging in regular self-care practices and seeking peer support
16. Which ethical principle is MOST directly applied when a competent patient refuses a blood transfusion based on religious beliefs? → Autonomy
17. Which of the following is a REVERSIBLE cause of delirium that should be assessed in a hospice patient experiencing acute confusion? → Urinary retention or fecal impaction
18. Which non-pharmacological intervention has the strongest evidence for reducing the perception of dyspnea in palliative care patients? → Directing airflow across the patient's face using a handheld fan
19. Which ethical principle is MOST directly supported when a hospice nurse honors a patient's decision to refuse artificial nutrition? → Autonomy
20. When transitioning a patient from IV morphine to oral morphine, what is the correct conversion ratio (IV to oral)? → 1:3
21. Renal failure's primary cause is → Diabetes
22. Which ethical principle is most directly invoked when a hospice nurse honors a patient's documented refusal of artificial nutrition? → Autonomy
23. Which interdisciplinary team member is primarily responsible for assessing and addressing existential distress and spiritual needs in hospice? → Chaplain or spiritual care provider
24. Which of the following best describes the role of a hospice volunteer? → Offering companionship, respite for caregivers, and non-clinical support services
25. A hospice nurse is caring for a patient experiencing intractable hiccups lasting over 48 hours. Which medication may be prescribed to manage this symptom? → Chlorpromazine
26. Which Medicare hospice benefit condition requires that two physicians certify a terminal prognosis? → Life expectancy of 6 months or less if disease runs its normal course
27. A terminally ill patient exhibits Cheyne-Stokes respirations, mottled extremities, and decreased urine output. What phase of dying do these signs indicate? → Active dying phase
28. Which document allows a competent adult to designate another person to make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so? → Durable power of attorney for healthcare
29. A hospice patient with advanced dementia cannot report symptoms. Which scale is MOST appropriate to assess their overall comfort? → Discomfort Scale for Dementia of the Alzheimer Type (DS-DAT)
30. Which opioid side effect does NOT develop tolerance with continued opioid use? → Constipation