A nurse is explaining the difference between hospice and palliative care to the family of a 78-year-old patient recently diagnosed with advanced heart failure. The family asks why the physician is recommending palliative care consultation now rather than waiting. Which explanation by the nurse demonstrates understanding of palliative care principles?
- Palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatment at any stage of serious illness to improve quality of life.
- Palliative care means the physician has given up on treating the patient's heart failure and will only provide comfort measures.
- Palliative care is only provided when the patient has less than 6 months to live and requires hospice enrollment.
- Palliative care is the same as hospice care but is delivered in the hospital setting rather than at home.