Study Guide Flashcards
7 cards from real CHPN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Study Guide flashcards as text
Which factor is the STRONGEST predictor of complicated grief in a bereaved family member after a hospice patient dies?
Answer: A prior history of depression, a traumatic or sudden death, or lack of social support
Risk factors for complicated grief include prior mental health history, traumatic circumstances of the death, and inadequate social support systems.
A patient with end-stage renal disease on hospice develops uremic pruritus. Which intervention is MOST appropriate as a first-line comfort measure?
Answer: Topical emollients and antihistamines (e.g., hydroxyzine), with gabapentin for refractory cases
Uremic pruritus is first managed with skin moisturization and antihistamines, with gabapentin added for refractory itch.
The interdisciplinary team in hospice MUST include which core members per Medicare Conditions of Participation?
Answer: Physician, registered nurse, social worker, and pastoral or counseling services
Medicare requires the hospice IDT to include a physician, RN, social worker, and pastoral/counseling services at minimum.
A terminally ill patient scores 8/10 on the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) for anxiety. Which pharmacologic intervention would the nurse anticipate?
Answer: Administering a short-acting benzodiazepine such as lorazepam for rapid relief
Short-acting benzodiazepines provide rapid relief for acute anxiety in terminal illness while longer-term therapies are considered.
Which statement about the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) is CORRECT?
Answer: A PPS of 10-20% correlates with total dependence and minimal oral intake, suggesting death within days to weeks
PPS 10-20% indicates total dependence, mouth care only or no intake, and typically correlates with death within days to weeks.
A patient on hospice is found to have been purchasing street drugs in addition to prescribed opioids. The MOST appropriate response from the CHPN is:
Answer: Maintain a non-judgmental stance, assess for undertreated pain or substance use disorder, and work with the IDT
A non-judgmental, IDT-based approach addresses potential undertreated pain or comorbid addiction while maintaining the therapeutic relationship in hospice.
Which of the following BEST describes the concept of 'total pain' as defined by Dame Cicely Saunders?
Answer: The multidimensional suffering encompassing physical, psychological, social, and spiritual components
Saunders coined 'total pain' to describe the holistic suffering of dying patients, requiring a multidisciplinary approach addressing all dimensions.