CHPN MCQ Practice 2

Question 1

A hospice nurse notes a patient's urine output has dropped to 200 mL over 24 hours. This finding most likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

Active dying process with normal physiological shutdown

Answer

Decreased urine output in the final days of life reflects normal physiologic shutdown of the dying process, not a condition requiring aggressive intervention.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes 'total pain' as conceptualized by Dame Cicely Saunders?

Accepted Answer

Suffering that encompasses physical, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions

Answer

Saunders' concept of total pain recognizes that suffering in terminal illness is multidimensional, encompassing physical, psychological, social, and spiritual components.

Question 3

A patient on long-term morphine for cancer pain reports new-onset myoclonus. The most appropriate initial intervention is:

Accepted Answer

Opioid rotation to hydromorphone

Answer

Myoclonus from opioid metabolite accumulation (morphine-6-glucuronide) is best managed by rotating to a different opioid such as hydromorphone, which has fewer neuroexcitatory metabolites.

Question 4

A family member asks why their dying loved one is receiving less food and water. The nurse's best response is:

Accepted Answer

The body naturally reduces its need for nutrition and hydration at end of life

Answer

As death approaches, the body's metabolic needs diminish and reduced oral intake is a natural part of the dying process, not a cause of suffering.

Question 5

Which ethical principle is MOST directly applied when a competent patient refuses a blood transfusion based on religious beliefs?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Autonomy grants competent individuals the right to make their own healthcare decisions, including refusal of life-sustaining treatment for religious or personal reasons.

CHPN - Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse Practice Test

CHPN - Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse Practice Test

CHPN MCQ Practice 2