Hospice criteria include which of the following?

Hospice criteria include which of the following?

• A. Terminally ill with a life expectancy of six months or less, with no expectation of life-prolonging treatment.
• B. Hospice is available for any chronic illness regardless of prognosis.
• C. Hospice requires inpatient hospitalization.
• D. Hospice always includes curative therapy first.

Answer: (A)

The main idea tested is prognosis-based eligibility for hospice: it is for patients with a terminal illness who are expected to live six months or less if the disease runs its usual course, and who choose to discontinue life-prolonging or curative treatments. This focus ensures care centers on comfort, symptom management, and quality of life rather than pursuing aggressive therapy. Hospice can be provided in various settings, not only inpatients, and is appropriate whether care is delivered at home, in a hospice facility, or in a hospital when needed for symptom control. It does not require inpatient hospitalization or a return to curative therapy first; the goal is comfort and support when a prognosis of terminal illness with no expectation of life-prolonging treatment has been established.

The main idea tested is prognosis-based eligibility for hospice: it is for patients with a terminal illness who are expected to live six months or less if the disease runs its usual course, and who choose to discontinue life-prolonging or curative treatments. This focus ensures care centers on comfort, symptom management, and quality of life rather than pursuing aggressive therapy. Hospice can be provided in various settings, not only inpatients, and is appropriate whether care is delivered at home, in a hospice facility, or in a hospital when needed for symptom control. It does not require inpatient hospitalization or a return to curative therapy first; the goal is comfort and support when a prognosis of terminal illness with no expectation of life-prolonging treatment has been established.