CHPNA Spiritual and Psychosocial Support

Question 1

Who on the hospice interdisciplinary team is primarily responsible for addressing spiritual needs?

Accepted Answer

Chaplain or spiritual care counselor

Answer

The hospice chaplain or spiritual care counselor is trained to address spiritual needs, though all team members support holistic care and can alert the chaplain to patient needs.

Question 2

What is the nursing assistant's role in spiritual care?

Accepted Answer

Observe and report spiritual concerns to the care team and provide respectful, non-judgmental presence

Answer

Nursing assistants observe patients for signs of spiritual distress, provide non-judgmental presence, and report concerns to the supervising nurse or chaplain.

Question 3

Spirituality in palliative care is best described as:

Accepted Answer

The dimension of life that relates to meaning, purpose, and connection—which may or may not include religion

Answer

Spirituality encompasses the search for meaning, purpose, and connection, and is broader than religion—it can be expressed in many forms regardless of religious belief.

Question 4

A patient expresses that they fear they have not lived a good life. This is best identified as:

Accepted Answer

Spiritual distress

Answer

Expressing guilt, regret, or fear about one's life is a sign of spiritual distress and should be reported to the chaplain or nurse for appropriate follow-up.

Question 5

When a patient or family member requests a specific religious ritual, the nursing assistant should:

Accepted Answer

Facilitate the request by notifying the nurse and chaplain, and accommodate as able

Answer

The nursing assistant should respectfully facilitate religious and spiritual requests by notifying the appropriate team members and accommodating the patient's needs within policy.

CHPNA - Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant Practice Test

CHPNA - Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant Practice Test

CHPNA Spiritual and Psychosocial Support