Foundations of Palliative Care
What is the main goal of curative care?
To eliminate or control disease with a focus on cure.
When should palliative care ideally begin?
At the time of diagnosis of a chronic progressive illness.
Which nurses share responsibility for palliative care?
Nurses in all practice settings.
True or false: palliative care is a physical place.
False - it is an approach to care.
What continues after the patient's death in palliative care?
Support for family members (bereavement care).
What is the main goal of palliative care?
To maximize comfort, dignity, and QOL.
What is the purpose of an integrated palliative approach?
To support QOL from diagnosis through death and bereavement.
What type of practice should nurses provide in palliative contexts?
Safe, competent, compassionate, ethical, evidence-informed care.
How does MAiD relate to palliative care?
It does not fall under palliative care; it is a separate program.
Why is early palliative involvement important along a chronic illness trajectory?
Symptoms, stress, and functional decline can happen long before EOL.
Does palliative care intend to hasten or postpone death?
No - it neither speeds up nor delays death.
Who typically receives specialized palliative care?
People with <6 months to live or those with complex needs.
What is one of the largest components of palliative care?
Clear, honest, and ongoing communication.
What is the ultimate aim of palliative care for patients?
To help them live well and die well.
What makes palliative care "total" care?
It treats suffering in all domains - physical, psychological, social, spiritual.
What belief about dying guides palliative philosophy?
Dying is a normal part of life and holds value until the very end.
What distinguishes integrated palliative care from specialized palliative care?
Integrated can be delivered by an HCP early illness; specialized is for complex cases.
What is one example of "active" palliative care?
Continually assessing needs and adjusting care to the patient's goals and values.
How many people typically require specialized palliative care?
Only a small proportion; most need mild or moderate increases in support.
Why is combining curative and palliative intent useful?
It allows patients to receive disease treatment while also receiving comfort-focused support.
Why is palliative care considered whole-person care?
It addresses physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs.
Why is "close to death" not an appropriate trigger for palliative care?
Because many patients benefit from symptom and QOL support long before EOL.
Why is family included as a focus in palliative care?
Because palliative care extends through death into bereavement, supporting families as part of the care unit.
What common misconception delays referral to palliative services?
Believing palliative care is only for the final days or weeks of life.
How do curative and palliative goals typically overlap through illness?
Curative/disease-focused care is used early while palliative support gradually increases as needs change.