Question

A patient is receiving palliative care for symptom management related to anxiety and pain. A family member asks whether the patient is dying and now in "hospice." What does the nurse tell the family member about palliative care? (Select all that apply.) a. Palliative care and hospice are the same thing. b. Palliative care is for any patient, any time, any disease, in any setting. c. Palliative care strategies are primarily designed to treat the patient's illness. d. Palliative care relieves the symptoms of illness and treatment. e. Palliative care selects home health care services.

Short answer

The nurse should inform the family member that b. Palliative care is for any patient, any time, any disease, in any setting, and d. Palliative care relieves the symptoms of illness and treatment are correct statements.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Concept of Palliative Care

Explain what palliative care is to the family member. It involves treatment of the symptoms and stress of serious illness regardless of the stage. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.

Differentiating Palliative Care from Hospice

Clarify the distinction between palliative care and hospice care. Hospice is a type of palliative care for people who are in the final months of life. Palliative care itself is available to any patient at any stage of illness and is not limited only to the end of life.

Addressing the Family Member's Concerns

Answer the family member’s question by selecting the correct statements regarding palliative care. This includes addressing misconceptions and providing accurate information based on the options given.

Reviewing Each Statement for Accuracy

Evaluate each statement provided in the exercise:a. Incorrect - Palliative care and hospice care serve different roles.b. Correct - Palliative care is available to any patient regardless of their disease or setting.c. Incorrect - The primary aim of palliative care is symptom management, not treating the illness itself. d. Correct - One of the main functions of palliative care is to relieve symptoms of both the illness and its treatment.e. Incorrect - Palliative care itself doesn't select home health care services, but it may be a part of a broader care plan which includes home health options.

Key concepts

Palliative vs Hospice Care

Understanding the distinction between palliative and hospice care is crucial for patients, families, and healthcare providers. Palliative care is a specialized form of medical care aimed at providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, irrespective of the diagnosis or stage of the disease. Its purpose is to improve quality of life for both the patient and their family.

Unlike palliative care, hospice care is specifically designed for those who are nearing the end of life, typically when curative treatments are no longer sought and the focus shifts to comfort care. An individual is usually eligible for hospice care when they are assessed to have six months or less to live, based on their doctor's estimation.

Thus, while all hospice care is a form of palliative care, not all palliative care is hospice care. The flexibility of palliative care means it can be provided alongside curative treatments and at any point in an illness, making it accessible to a broader range of patients seeking symptom relief and quality of life improvement.

Symptom Management in Palliative Care

Palliative care plays a pivotal role in symptom management for individuals with serious illnesses. The focus is on providing relief from symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping and, as in the case described in the exercise, anxiety. By addressing these symptoms, palliative care teams can significantly reduce the suffering and improve the day-to-day experience of patients.

Effective symptom management involves a comprehensive assessment and a personalized care plan that considers the patient's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. This often includes medication, but can also encompass non-pharmacological interventions such as physical therapy, counseling, nutritional guidance, and integrative therapies. Communication is key; healthcare providers must listen closely to the patient's and family's goals and concerns to tailor the symptom management strategy successfully.

Quality of Life in Serious Illness

Maintaining and enhancing the quality of life for those living with serious illnesses is an essential component of palliative care. This holistic approach not only focuses on physical symptoms but also addresses psychological, social, and spiritual issues that can impact a patient's well-being.

Quality of life can be influenced by a variety of factors, including pain control, emotional health, spiritual comfort, and the ability to engage in meaningful activities. Palliative care teams work collaboratively with patients and families to establish goals of care that reflect the patient's values and desires, often helping them navigate difficult treatment choices and providing support through complex emotional landscapes.

By prioritizing the person rather than the disease, palliative care supports individuals in living as actively as possible despite the presence of a serious illness. The ultimate aim is to affirm life and regard dying as a normal process, without hastening or postponing death.