Certified Hospice and Palliative Assistant (CHPNA) Practice Test

Which factor may hinder patients from completing their advance directives?

1. Desire for comprehensive care

2. Fear of substandard care

3. Lack of understanding of the process

4. Overconfidence in healthcare providers

The correct answer is: Fear of substandard care

The factor that may hinder patients from completing their advance directives is a fear of substandard care. This fear can arise from concerns that if they express specific wishes for their end-of-life care, they may receive lower-quality treatment or that their preferences will not be honored by medical staff. Patients may worry that by stipulating certain directives, they could be perceived as difficult or that the healthcare system may not prioritize their comfort or quality of life. This concern can lead to hesitation in documenting their preferences in advance directives, as they might feel uncertain about how those directives will influence their actual care experience. In contrast, the other options reflect different factors that do not influence the completion of advance directives as directly. For instance, a desire for comprehensive care suggests a positive outlook towards treatment and support, likely motivating patients to document their wishes. Lack of understanding of the process indicates a barrier, but it does not inherently reflect a fear that would prevent someone from completing directives. Overconfidence in healthcare providers could lead to a belief that their care will always be excellent, which might actually reduce the urgency to document preferences rather than hinder the process outright.