In hospice care, the primary objective of nursing is to focus on what?

In hospice care, the primary objective of nursing is to maintain client integrity and comfort. This holistic approach prioritizes the quality of life for patients facing terminal illnesses. Instead of aiming to restore health or provide extensive treatments, which are characteristic of curative care, hospice focuses on palliative care. This means alleviating pain and symptoms, providing emotional support, and enhancing the comfort of both the patient and their family.

In hospice settings, nurses are trained to address not just physical needs but also emotional, spiritual, and psychological aspects of patient care. This comprehensive approach helps ensure that patients can spend their remaining time in dignity and peace, surrounded by loved ones, rather than undergoing invasive procedures or prolonged hospitalizations.

The focus on maintaining integrity and comfort aligns with the principles of hospice care, which emphasize respect for the wishes and needs of the patient as they navigate the final stages of their life.