CHPN Free Hospice and Palliative Nurse Knowledge Questions and Answers 3

Question 1

Which opioid is generally considered the safest choice for a hospice patient with renal impairment requiring pain management?

Accepted Answer

Hydromorphone

Answer

Hydromorphone is preferred in renal impairment because it produces fewer neurotoxic active metabolites compared to morphine, codeine, or meperidine.

Question 2

A hospice nurse is caring for a patient who exhibits restlessness, moaning, and grimacing but is unable to verbally report pain. Which assessment tool is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

FLACC or PAINAD behavioral pain scale

Answer

Behavioral pain scales like FLACC or PAINAD are designed for nonverbal patients and assess observable indicators such as facial expression, body movement, and vocalization.

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of palliative sedation in hospice care?

Accepted Answer

To relieve refractory symptoms that have not responded to standard palliative interventions

Answer

Palliative sedation is used as a last resort to reduce consciousness and relieve intractable suffering from symptoms that are truly refractory to all other treatments.

Question 4

Which of the following is a key component of providing culturally competent end-of-life care?

Accepted Answer

Assessing each patient's and family's individual cultural beliefs and preferences about death and dying

Answer

Culturally competent care requires individualized assessment of beliefs and preferences rather than applying stereotypical assumptions based on ethnicity or background.

Question 5

A hospice patient on long-term opioid therapy develops myoclonus. Which action should the nurse prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Notify the physician to consider opioid rotation

Answer

Myoclonus is often a sign of opioid neurotoxicity from metabolite accumulation, and opioid rotation to a different agent typically resolves the symptom.

CHPN - Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse Practice Test

CHPN - Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse Practice Test

CHPN Free Hospice and Palliative Nurse Knowledge Questions and Answers 3