CHPNA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CHPNA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Decreased urine output and dark-colored urine near the end of life usually indicate: → Normal physiological changes as the body shuts down
2. What is the best way a nursing assistant can support a lonely hospice patient? → Provide companionable presence, engage in conversation, and report loneliness to the nurse
3. What does 'DNR' stand for in hospice care? → Do Not Resuscitate
4. When communicating with a patient from a different cultural background, the nursing assistant should: → Respect individual and cultural differences and ask about preferences
5. When performing personal hygiene on a patient in the final stage of life, the nursing assistant should prioritize: → Minimal handling to reduce discomfort, and maintaining dignity throughout
6. Which statement is most appropriate when offering condolences to a grieving family member? → 'I am so sorry for your loss. I am here if you need anything.'
7. Which skin care measure is most effective in preventing pressure injuries in a bedridden hospice patient? → Keeping the skin clean and dry and using a moisture barrier as needed
8. Opioids used in hospice care are primarily prescribed to: → Relieve pain and dyspnea
9. Who on the hospice interdisciplinary team is primarily responsible for addressing spiritual needs? → Chaplain or spiritual care counselor
10. What is the recommended water temperature when bathing a hospice patient? → Warm water around 105 to 110°F tested with a thermometer or the wrist
11. Which of the following best describes the hospice philosophy? → Comfort-focused care that affirms life and regards dying as a normal process
12. When a family member is distraught at the bedside of a dying patient, the nursing assistant should: → Offer presence, a calm demeanor, and empathetic support; notify the nurse
13. Who on the hospice team is most responsible for psychosocial support and assessing family dynamics? → Hospice social worker
14. What does 'beneficence' mean in healthcare ethics? → Act in the patient's best interest and promote their well-being
15. When should the nursing assistant use touch as a communication tool in hospice care? → When appropriate and with the patient's consent, to convey comfort and empathy
16. A hospice patient refuses their morning bath. What is the most appropriate response by the nursing assistant? → Respect the refusal, inform the nurse, and document without forcing care
17. Which setting is NOT a common location for hospice care delivery? → Emergency room
18. After a patient's death, what is the nursing assistant's first responsibility? → Notify the supervising nurse and follow the agency's post-mortem care procedures
19. If the nursing assistant suspects patient abuse or neglect, they are legally required to: → Report it to the supervising nurse and follow mandatory reporting laws
20. What is 'mottling' in the context of end-of-life care? → Blotchy, purplish discoloration of the skin due to poor circulation
21. What is the primary purpose of using a draw sheet when repositioning a patient up in bed? → To reduce friction and shear forces on the patient's skin during movement
22. Which factor can make communication more challenging in hospice care? → Cultural differences, language barriers, and altered consciousness
23. HIPAA in hospice care requires the nursing assistant to: → Protect patient privacy and only share information on a need-to-know basis
24. Which of the following is an example of active listening? → Maintaining eye contact, nodding, and reflecting back what the patient says
25. Depression is common in hospice patients. The nursing assistant's role is to: → Recognize signs of depression and report them to the supervising nurse
26. Which of the following is an example of nonverbal communication? → Maintaining appropriate eye contact and a calm expression
27. A patient receiving hospice care asks about returning to curative treatment. What should the nursing assistant do? → Report the request to the nurse or care team immediately
28. Which non-pharmacological comfort measure may help relieve pain in hospice patients? → Repositioning and gentle massage
29. Which assessment tool is used to evaluate pain in non-verbal or cognitively impaired patients? → PAINAD (Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia) Scale
30. What does 'breakthrough pain' mean in palliative care? → A sudden flare of pain occurring despite baseline pain control