Question

The nurse understands which goals are appropriate goals of care in palliative care for a dying child?

A. "Relieving the child’s pain and discomfort while maintaining their dignity and comfort."
B. "Curing the underlying illness and promoting long-term survival."
C. "Implementing aggressive medical interventions to extend the child’s life."
D. "Achieving complete independence and self-care abilities for the child."

Answer 1

Palliative care for a dying child focuses on relieving pain and discomfort while maintaining dignity, not on curing the illness, aggressive interventions, or achieving independence. The Correct Answer is Option. A.

Step-by-step explanation:

The appropriate goals of palliative care for a dying child, as understood by a nurse, would be A. "Relieving the child’s pain and discomfort while maintaining their dignity and comfort." Palliative care is not about curing the disease or extending life through aggressive interventions; it is about providing comfort and supporting the best quality of life for the time that remains. Hospice and palliative care focus on pain management and creating a peaceful environment for patients, which may include dying at home surrounded by family.

The goal of palliative care is to ensure patients can pass out of this life with dignity and without unnecessary discomfort. Therefore, Options B, C, and D are not aligned with the palliative philosophy, which prioritizes comfort and quality of life over curative treatment and independence when dealing with a terminal condition.