10 exam-style questions with answers and explanations, straight from our 1,030-question bank. Tap an answer to check yourself. When you're ready, take the scored version in the free practice test.
The CHPNA exam has 110 questions and runs 2 hours 30 minutes.
These 10 free CHPNA questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.
An NPO hospice patient has a dry mouth and crusted lips. He is too drowsy to follow instructions to rinse or spit, but his breathing is unlabored. The assistant is assigned to provide oral care and has been trained in the prescribed technique. Which approach fits his condition?
Correct answer: D - Turn his head to the side as directed; use minimally moistened swabs.
The fluid record for a patient with heart failure shows 630 mL consumed through lunch in the current 24-hour period. In the afternoon, 240 mL of tea is served with 60 mL remaining, and 180 mL of juice is served with 90 mL remaining. There are no spills or other fluid sources. Her plan limits total fluids to 1,200 mL per 24 hours; she swallows safely and requests 180 mL of water. Choose the accurate intake entry and response.
Correct answer: C - Record 900 mL consumed so far; offer the requested 180 mL of water.
Mr. Ortiz has left-arm weakness after a stroke and can use his right arm to help with dressing. The assistant supports his left shoulder while changing a front-opening shirt. Which sleeve sequence minimizes strain on the affected arm?
Correct answer: D - Remove the right sleeve first; put the left sleeve on first.
Over five days, a patient taking scheduled morphine has passed no usual formed stool. Today the assistant finds several small watery stool stains and hears the patient complain of abdominal fullness. All scheduled morphine doses have been given. A family member calls this diarrhea and asks for an antidiarrheal. Which possibility deserves particular attention in the report to the nurse?
Correct answer: A - Liquid stool may be leaking around retained stool.
During turning, a patient with advanced dementia who cannot reliably describe pain has a Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia (PAINAD) score of 7. After nurse-administered analgesia, the assistant repeats the observation during the same turning activity and obtains a score of 3. The patient remains as alert as before, with unlabored breathing. How should these findings be interpreted?
Correct answer: B - Fewer pain-associated behaviors occurred, but the score is not a self-reported pain intensity.
Forty minutes after receiving morphine and lorazepam from the nurse, an inpatient hospice patient who had been conversing becomes difficult to awaken and takes 6 shallow breaths per minute. This is an unexpected change, and a do-not-resuscitate order is in place. The bedside call system can summon urgent nursing help without leaving the patient. What takes priority now?
Correct answer: A - Summon the nurse urgently with the bedside call and stay with the patient.
A man with advanced lung disease says, "I can't get a satisfying breath." His pulse oximeter reads 96%, within the range specified in his care plan. A relative says the number proves that his breathing is comfortable. What explains why the assistant should still take his complaint seriously?
Correct answer: D - A pulse oximeter estimates oxygenation; it does not measure air hunger or carbon dioxide clearance.
After several quiet minutes together, a patient tells the assistant, "I keep thinking this cancer is punishment for how I treated my brother." The patient has not asked for religious advice. The most helpful opening response is:
Correct answer: A - "What makes this feel like punishment to you?"
"If I stop getting her to eat, I'm giving up on her," a daughter says. Her mother is in the last days of life, declines lunch, and says she is not hungry. The nurse has assessed the gradual decline in appetite; the mother can still swallow small desired amounts safely. Which response supports both the patient and her daughter?
Correct answer: C - "You're still caring for her. Offer food she wants and swallows safely; mouth care also provides comfort."
A daughter tells the assistant, "Dad nearly fell getting up at 07:00." At 09:15, the assistant observes him walk six feet with the assistance specified in his plan and no loss of balance. Both the daughter's concern and the observed walk are reported to RN Lee at 09:20. Which entry preserves the distinction between reported and observed findings?
Correct answer: B - 09:15: Daughter reported near fall at 07:00. Observed six-foot walk with prescribed assistance and no loss of balance. RN Lee notified of both at 09:20.
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