What is the primary goal of a nursing assistant when working with a patient in a hospice setting?

In a hospice setting, the primary goal of a nursing assistant is to enhance the patient's comfort. Hospice care focuses on providing support and improving the quality of life for patients who are facing life-limiting illnesses. The aim is not to cure the illness but to ensure that the patient experiences dignity and comfort during their final days.

Nursing assistants play a crucial role in this aspect by assisting with daily activities, managing pain, and addressing the emotional and psychological needs of the patient. Their interactions are centered around ensuring the patient's comfort through responsive care, empathy, and by creating a calming environment. This approach allows patients to spend their remaining time in peace and comfort, aligning with the core philosophy of hospice care.

Other options, such as curing the patient or providing all necessary medical interventions, aren't primary goals in this context, as hospice care is not about treating the illness but rather focusing on palliative care. While managing medications may be part of the nursing assistant’s responsibilities, it is not the central objective in hospice settings where comfort takes precedence.