A family member of a patient with a terminal disease asks the nurse to explain the difference between hospice and palliative care.Which is the best response by the nurse?
A)"A patient must have less than 6 months to live to qualify for palliative care."
B)"Hospice provides support for the patient and family during the dying process."
C)"There is no difference between hospice care and palliative care."
D)"Palliative care provides financial support for patients at the end of life."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hospice care provides support for patients and their families during the dying process, while palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. Unlike hospice care, palliative care can be provided at any stage of an illness, and patients do not have to be necessarily terminal to receive this kind of care. Option A is incorrect as palliative care can be provided even if a patient is expected to live for several years. Option C is incorrect as hospice and palliative care are different although they share similarities. Option D is also incorrect as palliative care does not provide financial support, but it provides medical and emotional support.

A Family Member of a Patient with a Terminal Disease