Certified Hospice and Palliative Assistant (CHPNA) Practice Test

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Study for the Certified Hospice and Palliative Assistant Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


Why is oral hygiene important in palliative care?

  1. To enhance taste and preference for foods

  2. To prevent complications such as mouth soreness

  3. To allow for more frequent dental visits

  4. To avoid medication interactions

The correct answer is: To prevent complications such as mouth soreness

Oral hygiene plays a crucial role in palliative care primarily because it helps to prevent complications such as mouth soreness, infections, and difficulties with swallowing or eating. Many patients in palliative care may experience various medical conditions, treatments, or medications that can lead to dry mouth, ulcers, or infections, making it vital to maintain proper oral hygiene to mitigate these issues. Good oral hygiene practices reduce the risk of discomfort and help patients maintain dignity and quality of life during their care. While enhancing taste and food preferences, facilitating dental visits, and avoiding medication interactions are all important considerations in overall health and wellness, they do not specifically highlight the direct impact of oral hygiene on preventing complications that can significantly affect a patient’s comfort and ability to manage symptoms in palliative care settings.