A nurse is coordinating care for several clients in a long term care facility. Which of the following client scenarios is best suited for offering hospice care?

This question requires knowledge of the criteria for hospice eligibility and the philosophy of palliative versus curative care. Understanding the prognosis and goals of hospice services is essential for selecting the client who meets the medical and ethical requirements. Choice A rationale Quadriplegia is a chronic neurological condition resulting in paralysis of all four limbs. While it requires extensive long-term care and rehabilitation, it is not a terminal illness with a predictable six-month life expectancy required for hospice. Choice B rationale The absence of a family support system indicates a need for social services or long-term residential care. Hospice is specifically reserved for those with terminal diagnoses regardless of family status, making this client ineligible based solely on age. Choice C rationale Hospice care is indicated for clients with terminal illnesses where curative treatment is no longer possible and life expectancy is ≤ 6 months. Terminal lung cancer fits these criteria, focusing on comfort and quality of life. Choice D rationale Dementia is a progressive neurocognitive decline that requires long-term supportive care. Unless the client is in the final, end-stage of the disease with a life expectancy of less than six months, they would not qualify for hospice.