Which term describes care focused on relieving symptoms and improving comfort for patients at the end of life?

Which term describes care focused on relieving symptoms and improving comfort for patients at the end of life?

• A. Active euthanasia
• B. Palliative care
• C. Access
• D. Brain death

Answer: (B)

Relief of symptoms and comfort for patients at the end of life is palliative care. This approach aims to control pain and other distressing symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, and fatigue, while also providing emotional, social, and spiritual support to both the patient and family. The focus is on quality of life and comfort, and it can be offered alongside treatments aimed at prolonging life or even when curative options are no longer pursued. It isn’t about ending life, but about easing suffering and preserving dignity. Active euthanasia is the intentional act of causing a patient’s death to relieve suffering, which is distinct from palliative care. Access refers to the ability to obtain care, not to the type of care itself. Brain death is a medical-legal determination of death, not a care approach. Thus, the term that best fits the description is palliative care.

Relief of symptoms and comfort for patients at the end of life is palliative care. This approach aims to control pain and other distressing symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, and fatigue, while also providing emotional, social, and spiritual support to both the patient and family. The focus is on quality of life and comfort, and it can be offered alongside treatments aimed at prolonging life or even when curative options are no longer pursued. It isn’t about ending life, but about easing suffering and preserving dignity.

Active euthanasia is the intentional act of causing a patient’s death to relieve suffering, which is distinct from palliative care. Access refers to the ability to obtain care, not to the type of care itself. Brain death is a medical-legal determination of death, not a care approach. Thus, the term that best fits the description is palliative care.