The nurse educator is teaching a group of newly hired nurses about hospice and palliative care. Which statement by the group requires further clarification?

  1. “Palliative care is not limited by specific time periods.”
  2. “Hospice clients have a prognosis of 6 months or less to live.”
  3. “Palliative care begins when curative treatments have been stopped.”
  4. “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.