Which statement defines palliative care?

Which statement defines palliative care?

• A. Cure disease when possible
• B. Provide care to comfort not cure
• C. End-of-life only
• D. Focus on prevention

Answer: (B)

Palliative care centers on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life for people with serious illness, rather than trying to cure the disease. It can be started early in the illness and may accompany disease-directed treatments aimed at cure, not just at the end of life. It also addresses emotional, social, and spiritual needs, along with physical comfort. The statement that emphasizes care focused on comfort, not cure, best captures this approach. It’s not limited to end-of-life, and it isn’t about prevention, which is why the other ideas don’t fit palliative care as well.

Palliative care centers on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life for people with serious illness, rather than trying to cure the disease. It can be started early in the illness and may accompany disease-directed treatments aimed at cure, not just at the end of life. It also addresses emotional, social, and spiritual needs, along with physical comfort.

The statement that emphasizes care focused on comfort, not cure, best captures this approach. It’s not limited to end-of-life, and it isn’t about prevention, which is why the other ideas don’t fit palliative care as well.