A hospice nurse is consulting with a client and her family about receiving home services. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as an indication that the family understands home hospice care?
A.
“We can expect the hospice nurse to provide support for us after our mother’s death.”
B.
“A hospice nurse will come to the house each time our mother needs pain medication.”
C.
“Now that my mother is receiving hospice services, we will not be able to get respite care.”
D.
“Hospice care focuses on arranging treatment that will prolong our mother’s life.”
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is A. “We can expect the hospice nurse to provide support for us after our mother’s death.”
Explanation
Hospice care is a specialized type of care designed to provide comfort and support to patients who are in the final stages of a terminal illness. It focuses on quality of life rather than curative treatment. The goal of hospice care is to ensure that patients and their families receive compassionate care and support through the dying process, and also provides support to the family after the patient’s death.
Option A reflects an understanding of the holistic approach of hospice care. Hospice services extend beyond the patient’s death to include bereavement support for the family. This includes counseling and emotional support for family members as they grieve and adjust to their loss. Recognizing that hospice care encompasses support during and after the patient’s life demonstrates an accurate understanding of the service’s scope.
Option B is incorrect because hospice care is not about frequent visits for every need but rather about managing symptoms and providing comprehensive support. The frequency of nurse visits will depend on the patient’s needs and not every time medication is required.
Option C is incorrect because respite care is actually a part of hospice services. Respite care allows family caregivers to take a break while the patient is cared for in a hospice facility or by another caregiver temporarily.
Option D is incorrect as it misunderstands the purpose of hospice care. Hospice care is not aimed at prolonging life but rather at providing comfort and maintaining the quality of life for patients who are not expected to recover. It focuses on managing symptoms and providing emotional and spiritual support rather than curative treatments.
In summary, Option A best captures the essence of hospice care by acknowledging the ongoing support provided to families, including after the death of their loved one.