HOSPICE CARE ASSESSMENT FOR NURSING STUDENTS 2026/2027 (4pages)

1. An 86-year-old man with class IV heart failure, hypertension, and mild Alzheimer's disease from the New York Heart Association, who lives with his 84-year-old wife at home, arrives at his primary doctor's office with reports of worsening symptoms of heart failure, including breathlessness, severe exhaustion, weak appetite, and problems with continence. When he is unable to catch his breath and can no longer eat the food she prepares for him, his wife feels overwhelmed with his failing health and concerns. Is this man a candidate for palliative care? Yes, this patient is certainly a palliative care candidate. With pain control, physical and occupational therapy, and ultimately holistic treatments such as acupuncture, massage therapy, or even music therapy, and even breathing / relaxation strategies, the palliative care team will assist this patient (Bartoo, 2019). 2. What is palliative care and how is it different from hospice care? Palliative care is a lifethreatening disease care philosophy that helps patients and families define their care priorities, helps them make informed choices, and encourages the control of quality symptoms. Palliative care, unlike hospice, is provided in form of consultation visit, with one or more follow-up visits, by a doctor, nurse practitioner, or team of healthcare providers. In a number of hospitals and on an outpatient care basis in some communities, palliative care consultations are given. In response to the unmet needs of terminally ill people, the idea of hospice in the United States came about from a grassroots movement. This holistic approach of an hospice is not to hasten or delay death, rather to offer relief to the patient and enhance their quality of life