Final answer:
The primary goal of palliative care for a patient with end-stage COPD is to improve the patient's and family's quality of life, providing comfort and emotional support, and ensuring the patient can live their remaining days with dignity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary goal of a medical nurse providing palliative care to a patient with end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is A) To improve the patient's and family's quality of life. Palliative care is focused not on curing the illness but on providing comfort and support during the end of life. Especially in the case of a progressive and incurable condition like COPD, which is characterized by chronic poor airflow, shortness of breath, and often a productive cough, the main objective is to ensure that the patient can live their remaining days with dignity and as little discomfort as possible. This approach extends to the family by offering emotional support and reducing the burden of care, helping both the patient and family to cope during this difficult time.
Research suggests that patients in hospice care report high levels of satisfaction as they are able to remain in the comfort of their homes surrounded by loved ones, and family members receive the emotional support they need. The tailored care provided by specialized healthcare professionals, including respiratory therapists, ensures that the patient's specific symptoms are managed effectively. The holistic nature of this care supports the overall well-being of the patient and their family, making it the cornerstone of palliative care in end-stage diseases like COPD.