CHPN Patient Assessment and Planning 2

Question 1

A hospice nurse uses the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS). Which symptom domain does ESAS NOT directly measure?

Accepted Answer

Spiritual distress

Answer

ESAS measures physical and psychological symptoms (pain, dyspnea, nausea, depression, anxiety, drowsiness, appetite, wellbeing, tiredness) but does not directly measure spiritual distress.

Question 2

When assessing a patient with dementia for pain, which behavioral indicator is MOST reliable?

Accepted Answer

Facial grimacing and guarding

Answer

In patients with dementia who cannot self-report, behavioral indicators such as facial grimacing and guarding are the most direct observable signs of pain.

Question 3

Which functional assessment tool stratifies patients into seven levels based on progressive loss of cognitive and functional abilities in dementia?

Accepted Answer

FAST (Functional Assessment Staging Tool)

Answer

The FAST scale stages dementia from normal aging (Stage 1) through severe dementia with loss of all functional abilities (Stage 7), and Stage 7C indicates hospice eligibility.

Question 4

A palliative nurse assesses a patient's goals of care. The patient states, 'I just want to be able to attend my granddaughter's wedding in three months.' This is best classified as:

Accepted Answer

A patient-centered goal

Answer

The patient's expressed wish to attend a meaningful event is a patient-centered goal that should guide care planning and discussions about achievability.

Question 5

Which scale is MOST appropriate for assessing dyspnea intensity in a palliative care patient who can communicate verbally?

Accepted Answer

Borg Scale

Answer

The Borg Scale is a validated tool for rating perceived breathlessness on a 0–10 scale and is appropriate for communicative patients reporting dyspnea.

CHPN - Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse Practice Test

CHPN - Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse Practice Test

CHPN Patient Assessment and Planning 2