Final answer:
For a 23-year-old female patient diagnosed with metastatic ovarian cancer and evaluated for depression during hospice care, an individualized approach that includes psychological support, symptom management, potential pharmacological treatment, and comprehensive palliative care is most appropriate. The objectives of hospice involve comfort, emotional support, potentially extended life, and maintaining the highest possible quality of life for the patient.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most appropriate treatment for a 23-year-old female who has been evaluated for depression as she prepares for discharge from the hospital from hospice care following a diagnosis of metastatic ovarian cancer is multifaceted. It includes psychological support, palliative care measures, and potentially pharmacological treatment for depression. Supportive care in hospice is aimed at providing comfort and the highest quality of life possible in the time remaining, rather than focusing on curative treatment. The interdisciplinary hospice team includes doctors, nurses, social workers, and spiritual advisors, who work together to address not only the physical but also the emotional and spiritual needs of the patient. This team can provide counseling, help manage symptoms, offer family support, and if needed, prescribe antidepressants in consultation with the patient's healthcare providers.
Research has shown that hospice care can lead to greater patient and family satisfaction due to the integrated support system and the ability to remain at home. Additionally, it can sometimes extend the life of the patient compared to non-hospice care. Moreover, a reference to Elizabeth Kübler-Ross's five stages of grief provides insight into the psychological processes the patient may experience, highlighting the importance of personalized emotional support during end-of-life care.