CHPN Care at the Time of Death 3

Question 1

After a hospice patient dies at home, the nurse's first priority action is to:

Accepted Answer

Confirm absence of respirations, pulse, and responsiveness, then provide support to the family

Answer

Call 911 immediately

Answer

Contact the funeral home before notifying the family

Answer

Begin documentation before spending time with the family

Question 2

In most US states, when a hospice patient dies at home, who is legally authorized to pronounce death?

Accepted Answer

A licensed hospice nurse can pronounce death under a physician's standing order or state-specific hospice statutes

Answer

The attending physician must always be physically present to pronounce death

Answer

Only a medical examiner can pronounce death at home

Answer

The funeral director pronounces death upon arrival

Question 3

Which of the following is the most important nursing documentation required immediately following a hospice patient's death?

Accepted Answer

Time of death, assessment findings confirming death, notifications made, and family's condition

Answer

A plan of care update for the next 30 days

Answer

The patient's insurance information

Answer

A new medication reconciliation

Question 4

When performing post-mortem care in the home setting, the hospice nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Remove all IV lines and catheters, clean and position the body with dignity before the funeral home arrives

Answer

Leave all medical equipment in place for the funeral home to remove

Answer

Wrap the body in plastic before the family views it

Answer

Administer a final bath regardless of family wishes

Question 5

After a hospice patient dies, unused controlled substances in the home must be disposed of by:

Accepted Answer

Flushing them down the toilet or destroying them per DEA and state regulations with a witness present

Answer

Leaving them in the home for the family to use as needed

Answer

Returning them to the pharmacy without documentation

Answer

Sending them to the funeral home with the body

Question 6

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:

Accepted Answer

'Sit with the family member, offer a compassionate presence, and allow them to express their grief without interruption.'

Answer

'You knew this was coming; try to stay calm for the rest of the family.'

Answer

'Please wait outside while I complete my assessment and paperwork.'

Answer

'You should consider calling a grief counselor right away instead of staying here.'

Question 7

The hospice interdisciplinary team's bereavement follow-up obligation under Medicare guidelines requires contact with bereaved family members for at least:

Accepted Answer

12 months after the patient's death

Answer

30 days after the patient's death

Answer

6 months after the patient's death

Answer

Until the family states they no longer need support