A client who has just been diagnosed with a slowly progressive terminal illness asks the nurse about the availability of hospice services.What information should the nurse share with this client?

Question

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Hospice services are generally reserved for those who have a life expectancy of 6 months or less. This is the criteria set by Medicare and most private insurance companies to qualify for hospice benefits. Hospice care provides comfort and support for clients and their families during the end-of-life journey, focusing on symptom management and quality of life rather than curative treatment. Being designated as terminally ill does not automatically assign a client to hospice care, and hospice benefits are not limited to those with private insurance. Additionally, hospice services are not reserved only for those who refuse other palliative treatments.

A Client Who Has Just Been Diagnosed with a Slowly