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Which finding is most consistent with urinary retention?
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Sample CHPLN Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your CHPLN exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1A hospice LP/VN is reviewing the plan of care for a newly admitted patient. Which finding is most important to report to the RN before the next visit schedule is finalized?
A.The patient prefers morning baths
B.The family asks for fewer phone calls during meals
C.The patient has new uncontrolled pain despite ordered breakthrough medication
D.The caregiver wants the supply delivery moved to Friday
Explanation: A new pattern of uncontrolled pain can mean the current plan of care is not meeting the patient's needs and requires RN reassessment and possible provider orders. LP/VNs contribute observations and follow the plan, but changes in visit intensity or medication plans must be escalated through the RN and interdisciplinary team.
2A patient with advanced heart failure has gained 5 pounds in a week, has increased ankle edema, and is more short of breath while lying flat. What should the hospice LP/VN do first?
A.Tell the caregiver that swelling is expected and no action is needed
B.Document the findings and wait until the weekly IDG meeting
C.Report the changes to the RN because they may signal worsening fluid overload
D.Suggest that the patient stop all oral fluids immediately
Explanation: Rapid weight gain, edema, and orthopnea suggest clinical decline or fluid overload that may require changes to the plan of care. The LP/VN should collect and report objective findings promptly so the RN and provider can evaluate orders and level-of-care needs.
3During a home visit, the caregiver says the patient no longer wants hospitalization for infections and wants to remain at home if possible. Which LP/VN response best supports shared decision making within scope?
A.Change the advance directive immediately
B.Tell the caregiver that hospitalization is never allowed after hospice election
C.Notify the RN and document the stated goal so the team can review the plan with the patient and representative
D.Advise the caregiver to refuse all antibiotics from this point forward
Explanation: Patient goals should be communicated to the RN and interdisciplinary team so the plan of care can be aligned with informed choices. The LP/VN reinforces communication and documents observations but does not independently rewrite legal documents or treatment orders.
4Which observation is most consistent with active dying and should prompt caregiver teaching about expected end-of-life changes?
A.Increased appetite and thirst
B.Longer periods of sleeping with decreased interest in food
C.A new desire to begin strenuous exercise
D.Sudden improvement in wound healing
Explanation: Increased sleep and reduced intake are common signs as the body declines near death. The LP/VN should report the change and reinforce teaching that forcing food or fluids may increase discomfort.
5A patient with end-stage COPD is using accessory muscles, cannot speak full sentences, and remains severely dyspneic after ordered comfort medication. Which action best reflects the LP/VN role?
A.Increase the medication dose until breathing improves
B.Call the RN promptly to report a possible symptom crisis and need for reassessment
C.Tell the caregiver to drive the patient to the emergency department without contacting hospice
D.Remove oxygen because dyspnea is expected in COPD
Explanation: Persistent severe dyspnea despite ordered interventions may require RN reassessment, provider orders, or a different level of care. The LP/VN should implement existing orders, monitor response, and escalate unresolved distress promptly.
6A patient receiving routine home hospice has escalating terminal agitation, repeated caregiver calls overnight, and symptoms that cannot be controlled with current home orders. Which information is most relevant when the RN evaluates whether a higher level of hospice care may be needed?
A.The family prefers the same pharmacy
B.Symptoms are uncontrolled despite use of the current plan and caregiver support
C.The patient has been enrolled in hospice for more than 30 days
D.The home has two entrances
Explanation: Level-of-care decisions focus on symptom acuity, safety, caregiver capacity, and whether needs can be managed in the current setting. Uncontrolled symptoms despite the current plan are highly relevant to RN and interdisciplinary evaluation for continuous home care or general inpatient care.
7Which patient statement best reflects a goal-of-care preference the LP/VN should document and report to the RN?
A.I want to be comfortable enough to sit on the porch with my family
B.My neighbor likes the hospice nurse
C.I watched a television program about cancer
D.The pharmacy closes at 6 PM
Explanation: A specific comfort and function goal helps the team shape interventions that matter to the patient. LP/VNs support care planning by recognizing, documenting, and communicating patient-centered goals.
8A caregiver reports that a patient with advanced dementia has become acutely more confused and restless over two days. Which LP/VN assessment finding would be most important to report?
A.The patient has liked the same music for years
B.The urine is foul smelling and the patient grimaces during peri-care
C.The patient no longer remembers a distant cousin's name
D.The caregiver moved a chair to a different wall
Explanation: Acute changes in mental status can be caused by reversible or treatable problems such as urinary discomfort, constipation, medication effects, dehydration, or infection. Foul-smelling urine with discomfort is an objective change that should be reported for RN assessment and possible provider follow-up.
9An LP/VN is preparing for transfer of a hospice patient from home to an inpatient hospice unit for symptom management. Which information should be prioritized in handoff?
A.The caregiver's preferred television channel
B.Current symptoms, recent medication times, allergies, code status, and safety concerns
C.The brand of linens used at home
D.The patient's favorite holiday meal
Explanation: A safe transfer handoff emphasizes clinical status, recent interventions, medication timing, allergies, goals and code status, and risks such as falls or agitation. Personal preferences can support comfort but should not replace essential clinical information.
10A hospice patient with metastatic cancer reports new severe back pain with leg weakness and new urinary retention. What is the best LP/VN response?
A.Reassure the patient that back pain is always expected with cancer
B.Apply heat and reassess at the next scheduled visit
C.Report immediately to the RN because the findings may indicate spinal cord compression
D.Encourage the patient to increase walking to strengthen the legs
Explanation: New severe back pain with neurologic changes and urinary retention is a red-flag pattern that can indicate spinal cord compression. The LP/VN should treat it as urgent, protect safety, and notify the RN immediately for further direction.
About the CHPLN Exam
The CHPLN credential validates hospice and palliative care for experienced licensed practical and vocational nurses, including observation, reporting, implementation of the interdisciplinary plan, pain and symptom support, caregiver education, advocacy, safety, ethics, and professional practice.
Questions
150 scored questions
Time Limit
3 hours
Passing Score
75 scaled score
Exam Fee
$260 HPNA member / $365 non-member (Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) / PSI)
CHPLN Exam Content Outline
19%
Assessment and Planning
Recognize patient goals, changes in condition, plan-of-care needs, and when findings require RN follow-up.
24%
Pain Management
Assess pain, reinforce ordered therapies, identify uncontrolled pain, and support comfort measures.
25%
Symptom Management
Support comfort-focused care for dyspnea, delirium, nausea, constipation, secretions, fatigue, dysphagia, skin changes, anxiety, and terminal agitation.
24%
Support, Education, and Advocacy
Teach caregivers, support preferences, reinforce hospice benefit and safety information, and respond to grief and postmortem needs.
8%
Practice Issues
Apply scope, privacy, infection prevention, controlled-substance safety, quality reporting, documentation, ethics, boundaries, and self-care.
How to Pass the CHPLN Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 75 scaled score
- Exam length: 150 questions
- Time limit: 3 hours
- Exam fee: $260 HPNA member / $365 non-member
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
CHPLN Study Tips from Top Performers
1Stay inside LP/VN scope: observe, implement current orders, document, teach within the plan, and escalate changes.
2Practice symptom scenarios by deciding whether the finding is expected, uncontrolled, unsafe, or urgent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for CHPLN?
HPCC lists eligibility as a current active practical or vocational nursing license plus 500 supervised hospice/palliative hours in the most recent 12 months or 1,000 hours in the most recent 24 months.
How many questions are on the CHPLN exam?
HPCC's certification FAQ lists the CHPLN exam as 150 questions with 3 hours for completion.