Final answer:
A hospice nurse should respond empathetically to a parent struggling with the care of their terminally ill child, highlighting the hospice care's benefits such as providing emotional support, increasing quality of life, and reducing the caregiving burden.
Step-by-step explanation:
When confronted with a parent of a terminally ill preschooler who is contemplating leaving the home due to the stress of coping, a hospice nurse could respond with supportive and empathetic statements. These might include acknowledging the parent's feelings and stress, assuring them of the hospice's commitment to providing both patient and family support, and discussing the potential benefits of hospice care that could help alleviate some of their burden. For instance, the nurse could highlight how hospice care aims to enhance quality of life and supports the entire family unit, not just the patient. It is also essential to offer resources like counseling and support groups that hospice usually provides.
Research has shown that hospice services result in high levels of satisfaction for patients and their families, as the care provided includes emotional support, information about the patient's condition and treatment, as well as relief for the family's caregiving burden. Families often report feeling more supported socially and improved in coping skills due to the comprehensive care offered through hospice. It is also worth mentioning that hospice care might allow the patient to spend their final days in the comfort of their home, surrounded by loved ones, which can be a profound comfort to all involved.