Chapter 10 - Palliative/Hospice Care - Exam 2 Flashcards
what is palliative care?
care for seriously ill that addresses a comprehensive plan of care:
psychosocial care
spiritual support
pain control
interdisciplinary collaboration
what is hospice care
pts with serious, progressive illness not responding to curative care
the goal of palliative care is
reduce the burden of health-related suffering while improving quality of life
which sense is usually the last to disappear
hearing
max life expectancy in hospice care
6 months
which clinical manifestation indicates the patient is nearing death
the patients skin is mottled and waxlike
which form would a nurse encourage a patient to take with them in case of end of life care becomes an ethical or legal issue
advance directives
a terminally ill pt asks the nurse for paperwork to consent to a no code status. which doc would the nurse provide
dnr
the caregiver reports “ my mom stops breathing for a while then breathes fast and hard, then stops again” this is what breathing pattern
cheyne stokes respiration
in the absence of advance directives from the patient, the _______ should be the surrogate decision maker
spouse
when a patient’s code status is DNR and death is imminent which type of care induces patient restfulness
palliative sedation
what is palliative care
focus is improving the quality of life for patients facing serious illness
what is the primary goal of palliative care
provide relief from symptoms, pain, and stress that accompany serious conditions
palliative care is _______ addressing not only physical symptoms, but also emotional, social and spiritual needs
hollistic
true or false: unlike hospice care, which is typically reserved for patients with terminal illnesses in the FINAL stages of life, palliative care can be provided at any stage of an illness
true
true or false: palliative care can be used alongside CURATIVE treatments
true
A nurse is providing care to a terminally ill patient receiving palliative care. The patient expresses concerns about increasing pain and requests additional pain medication. The nurse understands the importance of managing pain effectively in palliative care. Which of the following actions by the nurse is appropriate?
A) Administer the prescribed pain medication as ordered by the healthcare provider.
B) Encourage the patient to distract themselves from the pain by watching television.
C) Advise the patient to tough it out as increasing pain is expected in terminal illness.
D) Suggest alternative therapies such as massage or acupuncture instead of pain medication.
Option A, “Administer the prescribed pain medication as ordered by the healthcare provider,” is the appropriate action. In palliative care, effectively managing pain is crucial for improving the patient’s quality of life. The nurse should promptly administer the prescribed pain medication to alleviate the patient’s discomfort and promote comfort. It’s essential to follow the healthcare provider’s orders and ensure that the patient receives appropriate pain relief.
when is palliative care most often applied
Palliative care is most often applied when a patient is facing a serious illness that is not necessarily curable. This could include conditions such as advanced cancer, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Alzheimer’s disease, and other life-limiting illnesses. Palliative care can be initiated at any stage of the illness, from diagnosis through the end of life. It focuses on providing relief from symptoms, pain, and stress associated with the illness, with the goal of improving the patient’s quality of life and supporting their emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
is palliative care covered by medicare and medicaid
Yes, palliative care is covered by Medicare and medicaid in the United States.
is hospice covered by medicare
Yes, Medicare covers hospice care for beneficiaries who are eligible for the Medicare Hospice Benefit. Hospice care is covered under Medicare Part A (hospital insurance). To qualify for hospice coverage, the following criteria generally apply:
The patient must be eligible for Medicare Part A.
A doctor and a hospice medical director must certify that the patient has a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness runs its normal course.
The patient must sign a statement choosing hospice care instead of standard Medicare-covered benefits for the terminal illness.
what is the difference between hospice care and palliative care
ospice care and palliative care share similarities but also have distinct differences:
Goal and Timing:
Hospice Care: Hospice care is typically provided to individuals with a terminal illness who have a prognosis of six months or less to live if the disease runs its natural course. The primary goal of hospice care is to provide comfort and support to patients and their families at the end of life.
Palliative Care: Palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness, not just at the end of life. It focuses on improving the quality of life for patients and their families by addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. Palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatments.
Location:
Hospice Care: Hospice care is often provided in the patient’s home but can also be provided in a hospice facility, nursing home, or hospital, depending on the patient’s needs and preferences.
Palliative Care: Palliative care can be provided in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, and patients’ homes.
Services Provided:
Hospice Care: Hospice care focuses on providing comfort and symptom management for patients with terminal illnesses. Services may include pain management, nursing care, medical equipment and supplies, counseling, and support for the patient and family members.
Palliative Care: Palliative care addresses the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients with serious illnesses. It includes services such as pain and symptom management, counseling, coordination of care, assistance with decision-making, and support for the patient and family.
Scope of Care:
Hospice Care: Hospice care is specifically tailored to patients who are nearing the end of life, and the focus is on ensuring comfort and dignity during the dying process.
Palliative Care: Palliative care is broader in scope and can be provided to patients with serious illnesses at any stage, from diagnosis through treatment and into survivorship or end-of-life care.
Overall, while hospice care and palliative care share the common goal of improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses, hospice care is specifically focused on end-of-life care for patients with a terminal prognosis, whereas palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness and alongside curative treatments.
which condition is most commonly used with palliative care
Palliative care is commonly used for a wide range of serious illnesses, but cancer is one of the most common conditions for which palliative care is provided. Cancer patients often experience significant pain, symptoms, and emotional distress related to their illness and treatments, making palliative care an essential component of their care plan.
However, palliative care is not limited to cancer patients. It can also be provided for individuals with other serious and life-limiting illnesses, such as heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and end-stage renal disease, among others.
The goal of palliative care is to improve the quality of life for patients facing serious illnesses by addressing their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs, regardless of the underlying condition. Therefore, palliative care can be beneficial for patients with various conditions, especially those experiencing symptoms that affect their well-being and comfort.
