Certified Hospice and Palliative Assistant (CHPNA) Practice Test

What is the primary focus of hospice care?

1. Preventing premature death

2. Improving quality of life for the terminally ill

3. Curing terminal illnesses

4. Reducing healthcare costs

The correct answer is: Improving quality of life for the terminally ill

The primary focus of hospice care is improving the quality of life for individuals who are terminally ill. This approach emphasizes providing compassionate care and support to patients and their families as they navigate the end stages of life. Hospice care aims to address not just the physical symptoms and discomfort associated with terminal illnesses, but also the emotional, spiritual, and psychological aspects of the patient’s experience. In this context, improving quality of life means ensuring that patients are as comfortable as possible, enabling them to experience dignity and peace during their final days. Care teams typically include doctors, nurses, social workers, and volunteers who work collaboratively to provide a multidisciplinary approach to address the diverse needs of the patient and their loved ones. In contrast, preventing premature death is more associated with curative treatments that aim to extend life rather than focusing on comfort. Curing terminal illnesses is not within the scope of hospice care, as it is typically not aimed at prolonging life but rather at enhancing the remaining time. Lastly, while reducing healthcare costs is a consideration in the broader healthcare landscape, it is not the primary goal of hospice care; instead, it prioritizes the holistic well-being of patients and their families facing end-of-life scenarios.