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

The nurse must first confirm that death has occurred through clinical assessment, then immediately focus on providing compassionate support to the bereaved family before initiating other notifications.

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

Many US states have enacted hospice-specific legislation allowing RNs to pronounce death in the home setting under standing physician orders, eliminating the need for a physician to be present.

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

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.

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

Removing medical devices, cleaning, and positioning the body with dignity respects the patient and family and prepares the body appropriately; however, family preferences and cultural practices should guide the process.

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

DEA regulations and hospice policy require that controlled substances be destroyed (flushed, mixed with waste, or using a DEA-authorized take-back program) with a witness, and the process must be documented.

(CHPN) Hospice Certified Professional Practice Test

(CHPN) Hospice Certified Professional Practice Test

CHPN Care at the Time of Death 3