The nurse educator is teaching a group of newly hired nurses about hospice and palliative care. Which statement by the group requires further clarification?
“Palliative care is not limited by specific time periods.”
“Hospice clients have a prognosis of 6 months or less to live.”
“Palliative care begins when curative treatments have been stopped.”
“Hospice care is provided in 60- and 90-day periods and may continue if the client is eligible.”
Number 3 is correct.
Rationale: When curative treatments or life-prolonging therapies have stopped, hospice may begin. Hospice clients have a prognosis of 6 months or less to live. Care may extend beyond the 60- and 90-day periods if the client meets eligibility requirements. Palliative care does not follow specific time periods. Palliative care consults can be provided concurrent with curative therapies.
