Question

A palliative care nurse is teaching a client who has cancer about the services that are available for the client. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as an indication that the client understands the teaching?

a. I can continue aggressive treatment until the end.

b. I may receive pain management and emotional support.

c. I must choose between curative treatment or hospice care.

d. I can only receive palliative care in the hospital setting.

Answer 1

The statement that shows the client understands palliative care is that they may receive pain management and emotional support. This care aims to provide comfort and is not limited to end-of-life situations or to hospital settings.

Step-by-step explanation:

The palliative care nurse is educating a client on the services available for those with cancer. The correct statement indicating an understanding of the purpose of palliative care services would be, "I may receive pain management and emotional support." This indicates the client comprehends that palliative care is centered around providing comfort, alleviating pain, and offering psychological support rather than pursuing aggressive curative treatments towards the end of life.

Palliative care can indeed be provided alongside curative treatments, and it is not limited to the hospital setting; it often takes place at home, allowing patients to be in a familiar and comfortable environment. Moreover, hospice care, a form of palliative care for the terminally ill, has shown to increase patient and family satisfaction due to the comprehensive support and care provided, which includes pain management, emotional support, and help with practical needs.