Certification Exam Practice Test Questions And

Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) Certification Exam Practice Test Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• Which of the following is the primary goal of palliative care?
• To cure the underlying disease
• To improve quality of life for patients and families
• To extend life expectancy at all costs
• To provide only end-of-life care

Rationale: The main goal of palliative care is to improve quality of

life through symptom management, psychosocial support, and spiritual care for patients and their families.

• A patient with terminal cancer expresses a desire to stop

chemotherapy. The nurse’s best response is to:

• Encourage the patient to reconsider
• Notify the oncologist immediately without discussion
• Explore the patient’s reasons and goals for care 1 / 4

• Tell the patient it’s their legal right to refuse treatment

Rationale: Exploring the patient’s reasoning demonstrates respect

for autonomy while ensuring the decision is informed and values- based.

3. The best indicator of pain in a nonverbal hospice patient is:

• Vital signs
• Family report
• Behavioral cues such as grimacing or restlessness
• Medication use history

Rationale: Behavioral indicators are the most reliable means of

assessing pain in nonverbal or cognitively impaired patients.

• Which medication is most appropriate for managing dyspnea in an

end-of-life patient?

• Lorazepam
• Albuterol
• Morphine
• Prednisone

Rationale: Opioids like morphine reduce the sensation of air hunger

and are the first-line treatment for dyspnea in palliative care.

• / 4

• A patient with advanced COPD asks if they will become addicted to

opioids prescribed for breathlessness. The nurse should respond:

• “Addiction is likely at this stage.”
• “You should avoid opioids for safety.”
• “At this stage, opioids are safe and effective for comfort.”
• “You should use them only if symptoms are severe.”

Rationale: In palliative care, the focus is comfort, and addiction

concerns are minimal when opioids are used appropriately for symptom control.

• Which of the following is an ethical principle guiding hospice care?
• Paternalism
• Autonomy
• Justice only
• Beneficence over autonomy

Rationale: Respecting autonomy allows patients to make decisions

consistent with their values and goals.

• The hospice nurse notices increased confusion in a terminal patient on

opioids. The likely cause is:

• Disease progression only
• Opioid-induced neurotoxicity
• Psychological distress 3 / 4

• Sleep deprivation

Rationale: Neurotoxicity can occur from opioid accumulation,

particularly in renal impairment, causing confusion or agitation.

• The best nursing intervention for a dying patient with noisy

respirations (“death rattle”) is to:

• Increase fluids
• Suction frequently
• Reposition the patient and use anticholinergics
• Increase oxygen

Rationale: Repositioning and medications like glycopyrrolate reduce

secretions without invasive discomfort.

• Which statement about hospice care eligibility under Medicare is

true?

• The patient must have a terminal illness with a 1-year prognosis
• Only cancer patients qualify
• The patient must have a prognosis of 6 months or less if the

disease follows its normal course

• The patient must refuse all treatments

Rationale: Medicare hospice benefit requires a prognosis of six

months or less, as certified by physicians.

• / 4