Which statement best describes palliative care?

Which statement best describes palliative care?

• A. It cures the disease
• B. It is primarily for end-of-life care
• C. It focuses on relief from pain and comfort
• D. It is not used in chronic illness

Answer: (C)

Palliative care is an approach that centers on relieving suffering and improving quality of life for people with serious illnesses. It aims to control pain and other distressing symptoms, and to support the patient and family emotionally, socially, and spiritually. This care can be started early in a disease course and may be provided alongside treatments meant to treat or cure the illness, rather than waiting until no further options exist. It is not limited to end-of-life situations, and it is used in chronic illnesses to help manage ongoing symptoms and burdens. That focus on relief from pain and comfort best captures what palliative care is about.

Palliative care is an approach that centers on relieving suffering and improving quality of life for people with serious illnesses. It aims to control pain and other distressing symptoms, and to support the patient and family emotionally, socially, and spiritually. This care can be started early in a disease course and may be provided alongside treatments meant to treat or cure the illness, rather than waiting until no further options exist. It is not limited to end-of-life situations, and it is used in chronic illnesses to help manage ongoing symptoms and burdens. That focus on relief from pain and comfort best captures what palliative care is about.