An older patient with terminal cancer asks the nurse to explain palliative care. How should the nurse respond to this patient? Select all that apply.
1. "It is the same as hospice care."
2. "It is always provided in the home."
3. "It can be provided along with life-prolonging care."
4. "It is helpful for chronic health problems for which there is no cure."
5. "It improves the quality of life while facing a life-threatening illness."
3. "It can be provided along with life-prolonging care."
4. "It is helpful for chronic health problems for which there is no cure."
5. "It improves the quality of life while facing a life-threatening illness."
Explanation: 1. Palliative care is not the same as hospice care. Palliative care is focused on the relief of suffering in an attempt to achieve the best possible quality of life for patients with serious illness and their families. Hospice care is focused on support and care for the patient in the last phase of an incurable disease so that the patient may live life as fully and comfortably as possible.
2. Palliative care can take place across all care settings.
3. Regardless of the stage of the disease or the need for curative therapies, palliative care is appropriate for patients with life-limiting, serious illness. It can be delivered concurrently with life-prolonging care or as the main focus of care.
4. Although palliative care can be delivered to patients of any age, it is especially appropriate when provided to older people who have progressive chronic illnesses.
5. Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problem associated with life-threatening illnesses.
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