CHPN FREE Hospice and Palliative Nurse Guide Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

A hospice patient with end-stage heart failure develops Cheyne-Stokes respirations. What should the nurse communicate to the family?

Accepted Answer

This is a normal breathing pattern near end of life

Answer

Cheyne-Stokes respirations are a common and expected breathing pattern as death approaches, and families should be educated that this is normal.

Question 2

Which medication is most appropriate for managing terminal secretions (death rattle) in a hospice patient?

Accepted Answer

Glycopyrrolate

Answer

Glycopyrrolate is an anticholinergic medication commonly used to reduce terminal secretions by decreasing saliva and mucus production.

Question 3

A palliative care nurse is caring for a patient whose family insists on continuing aggressive treatment despite the patient's advance directive refusing it. What is the nurse's primary obligation?

Accepted Answer

Advocate for the patient's documented wishes

Answer

The nurse is ethically and legally obligated to advocate for the patient's autonomy as documented in their advance directive.

Question 4

Which scale is specifically designed to assess functional status and prognosis in hospice patients?

Accepted Answer

Palliative Performance Scale (PPS)

Answer

The Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) measures ambulation, activity, self-care, intake, and consciousness level to assess functional decline in palliative patients.

Question 5

What is the primary goal of palliative sedation in hospice care?

Accepted Answer

To relieve refractory symptoms that cannot be controlled by other means

Answer

Palliative sedation is used as a last resort to manage refractory symptoms such as intractable pain or agitation when all other interventions have failed.

CHPN - Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse Practice Test

CHPN - Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse Practice Test

CHPN FREE Hospice and Palliative Nurse Guide Questions and Answers 2