Free ACHPN® Practice Test Questions

A 45-year-old woman, who is the primary caregiver for her husband with advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, reports feeling overwhelmed and struggles to manage both his care needs and their household responsibilities. In recent weeks, she has become more withdrawn and has expressed feelings of helplessness. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate to address her psychosocial needs?

An APRN is implementing a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle to improve the symptom management of a 68-year-old patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a palliative care setting. The patient has been experiencing frequent dyspnea and anxiety at night, which affects their sleep quality. The APRN plans to introduce a new non-pharmacologic intervention focused on respiratory therapy techniques. Which of the following steps should the APRN prioritize during the 'Study' phase of the PDSA cycle?

An APRN is consulted to evaluate an 85-year-old female patient living in a remote rural area who is receiving palliative care for heart failure. The patient lives alone and recently expressed concerns about managing her symptoms due to limited access to healthcare resources. During the consultation, the APRN learns that the patient has experienced increased shortness of breath and swelling in her lower extremities. What is the most appropriate first step for the APRN to support this patient?

A 35-year-old woman with cystic fibrosis has been admitted to the hospital for evaluation of end-stage respiratory failure. She is on the transplant list for a double-lung transplant but has recently developed sepsis. The patient's parents express concerns about whether continuing to pursue an organ transplant is ethical given her current health status. Which of the following ethical principles should guide the APRN in addressing these concerns?

An APRN is evaluating a 60-year-old patient with advanced colorectal cancer who is experiencing significant weight loss and muscle wasting despite adequate calorie intake. The patient's family is concerned about his declining nutritional status and request guidance on the optimal intervention to improve his weight and muscle mass. Which of the following interventions should the APRN recommend as part of the nutritional management for this patient?

An APRN is assisting in the care of a 70-year-old woman who recently lost her spouse. The patient reports feeling overwhelmed by sadness, unable to move on, and having difficulty sleeping. She has ceased all social activities and is fixated on the circumstances of her spouse's death, often expressing feelings of guilt and self-blame. Which of the following therapeutic approaches is most appropriate for this patient's complicated bereavement?

An APRN is evaluating a 65-year-old male with chronic heart failure admitted to the palliative care unit. The patient reports increasing anxiety and a feeling of impending doom despite stable vital signs and laboratory results. On further assessment, the APRN notes that the patient has started exhibiting paranoid thoughts and is experiencing vivid auditory hallucinations. What should the APRN prioritize in managing this patient?

An APRN is evaluating a 12-year-old child who has been diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The child's parents are worried about the progression of his condition and have asked about available national standards for palliative care tailored to pediatric populations. Which of the following approaches aligns best with the development of national palliative care standards for children?

A 69-year-old female with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is on long-term oxygen therapy has been admitted to the hospital with a severe exacerbation. She has previously expressed that she wants all possible measures to extend her life. However, during this admission, she has a brief period of lucidity where she states, 'I am tired and do not want to keep going.' The family insists on full treatment to prolong her life, aligning with her past wishes. Which of the following should the APRN prioritize in handling this situation?

A 74-year-old patient with metastatic lung cancer has been experiencing recurrent episodes of anxiety, particularly during the evening hours when she is alone. She reports that traditional pharmacological treatments have not been sufficiently effective in managing her anxiety. The consultation team suggests incorporating mindfulness practices as a potential strategy. Which of the following mindfulness-based interventions would be most appropriate for helping the patient manage her anxiety in this context?

An APRN is evaluating a 50-year-old male patient with end-stage pulmonary fibrosis who reports feeling disconnected and struggles with finding meaning in his situation. Despite being non-religious, he frequently ponders questions about his existence and purpose. The family is supportive but unsure how to address these spiritual concerns. Which of the following interventions should the APRN prioritize to best support this patient's spiritual pain?