CHPN Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the CHPN exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 CHPN Exam Format at a Glance
📚 CHPN Topics to Study (21)
✍️ Sample CHPN Questions & Answers
1. Which of the following is the most important nursing documentation required immediately following a hospice patient's death?
Documentation must include the exact time of death, clinical findings confirming death, all notifications made (physician, funeral home, supervisor), and the emotional status of those present.
2. A family member is crying intensely and saying 'I can't believe she's gone' immediately after the patient's death. The hospice nurse's best response is:
Acute grief immediately after death requires compassionate, non-judgmental presence; the nurse should sit with the family, allow emotional expression, and provide supportive silence or validation.
3. When a CHPN professional identifies a potential regulatory violation, the CORRECT first step is to:
Proper documentation and reporting through established channels ensures accountability.
4. What is palliative care?
Palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness, focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of the illness. Its goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family, regardless of the stage of the disease or whether a cure is possible. It can be provided alongside curative treatment.
5. What is an ethical dilemma?
An ethical dilemma in healthcare arises when there are two or more morally justifiable courses of action, but choosing one means compromising another. These situations involve conflicting values, principles, or duties, making it difficult to determine the "right" choice. In hospice, dilemmas often involve balancing patient autonomy, family wishes, and professional obligations.
6. How frequently should ongoing assessments be conducted in Hospice Certified Professional practice?
Ongoing assessments should follow established protocols and also respond to changing conditions.