CHPN Basic Questions 2

Question 1

Which ethical principle is MOST central to hospice philosophy when a patient refuses a recommended intervention?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Autonomy — the patient's right to self-determination — is the cornerstone of hospice care and guides respect for treatment refusals.

Question 2

A patient's oxygen saturation is 84% but they report feeling comfortable. What is the priority hospice nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Assess and document the patient's subjective comfort level

Answer

In palliative care, symptom burden and subjective comfort are prioritized over objective vital-sign targets.

Question 3

What is the maximum Medicare Hospice Benefit continuous home care daily rate designed to address?

Accepted Answer

Short-term crisis management of acute symptoms at home

Answer

Continuous home care provides intensive nursing during brief medical crises to keep the patient at home rather than in a facility.

Question 4

Which medication class is first-line for neuropathic pain in palliative care patients?

Accepted Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants or SNRIs

Answer

TCAs (e.g., amitriptyline) and SNRIs (e.g., duloxetine) are evidence-based first-line adjuvants for neuropathic pain.

Question 5

A family member insists the hospice nurse 'do something' when the patient stops eating near death. The BEST response is:

Accepted Answer

Explain that decreased intake is a normal part of the dying process

Answer

Educating families that anorexia near death is physiologic and normal reduces distress and prevents harmful interventions.

CHPN - Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse Practice Test