National Association of Boards of Long Term Care Administrator (NAB) CORE Practice Exam

What is a common purpose of hospice care services?

1. To provide aggressive treatment

2. To assist with daily activities

3. To ensure comfort and dignity

4. To maintain mental health

The correct answer is: To ensure comfort and dignity

Hospice care services are fundamentally designed to ensure comfort and dignity for individuals who are facing terminal illnesses. The primary focus of hospice care is to provide palliative care, which alleviates pain and enhances the quality of life for patients during their final days. This compassionate approach prioritizes the patient’s comfort, emotional well-being, and wishes, which is vital for maintaining dignity in the face of terminal conditions. Hospice care often involves a multidisciplinary team that includes healthcare professionals, social workers, and spiritual advisors who work collaboratively to meet the holistic needs of the patient and their family. This support encompasses not just physical comfort, but also emotional and spiritual care, providing a comprehensive environment that respects the individual’s values and preferences as they approach the end of life. In contrast, providing aggressive treatment typically aims to cure or significantly prolong life, which is not aligned with the goals of hospice care. Assisting with daily activities can be part of the service, but it is not the primary focus of hospice. Similarly, maintaining mental health is important, but it is secondary to the core mission of ensuring comfort and dignity for those in the final stages of life.