Texas Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

What type of care focuses on the dignity and comfort of a dying person?

1. Respite care

2. Palliative care

3. Hospice

4. Nursing care

The correct answer is: Hospice

The correct choice focuses specifically on end-of-life care and emphasizes providing comfort and dignity to individuals who are in their final stages of life. This type of care is generally associated with a multidisciplinary approach that supports not only the physical needs but also the emotional, spiritual, and psychosocial aspects of dying patients and their families. While palliative care is very similar and aims to relieve suffering at any stage of illness, hospice care is distinctive in that it specifically caters to individuals who are diagnosed with a terminal illness and have a prognosis of six months or less to live. Hospice supports patients in a way that prioritizes quality of life rather than curative treatments, aiming instead for peace and dignity during the dying process. Respite care is different as it provides temporary relief for caregivers, allowing them a break while ensuring that their loved ones continue to receive care. Although nursing care can play a role in supporting patients' comfort, it does not inherently focus on the unique needs of dying individuals in the same comprehensive way hospice care does.