Certified Hospice and Palliative Assistant (CHPNA) Practice Test

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

Prepare for the Certified Hospice and Palliative Assistant Test. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each providing hints and explanations. Master the material and ace 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.

In patients with obstructive sleep apnea, what is a common concern related to opioid use?

Increased appetite
Opioid-induced respiratory depression
Enhanced cognitive function
Decreased pain sensitivity

The correct answer is: Opioid-induced respiratory depression

In patients with obstructive sleep apnea, opioid-induced respiratory depression is a significant concern. Opioids work by binding to specific receptors in the brain, which can lead to decreased respiratory drive. In individuals with obstructive sleep apnea, there is already a predisposition to intermittent airway obstruction and hypoventilation during sleep. When opioids are introduced, they can further compromise respiratory function, leading to potentially severe complications like hypoxia or even respiratory failure. It is crucial for healthcare providers to closely monitor patients with sleep apnea when prescribing opioids and consider alternative pain management strategies that pose less risk to respiratory function. This awareness is essential for ensuring patient safety in palliative care settings.