Which statement best describes hospice care?

• A. Cures disease
• B. Extends life through aggressive treatment
• C. Focuses on comfort not cure and does not shorten or prolong life
• D. Is limited to inpatient settings

Answer: (C)

Hospice care centers on comfort and quality of life for someone with a life-limiting illness. The focus is on relieving pain and other distressing symptoms, supporting emotional and spiritual needs, and helping patients and families with planning and decision-making at the end of life. It is not about curing the disease or aggressively extending life, so its aim is comfort rather than pursuing cures or life-prolonging procedures. Hospice can be provided in various settings, including at home, in dedicated hospice facilities, or in other care settings, not just inpatient hospitals. That combination—prioritizing comfort and the patient’s goals rather than cure or aggressive treatment—best describes hospice care.