Which term refers to care for terminally ill patients, focusing on quality of life, comfort, and relieving pain?

• A. Palliative Care
• B. Neglect
• C. Ombudsman
• D. Perineal Care (pericare)

Answer: (A)

Palliative care focuses on relief from symptoms and stress of a serious illness to improve quality of life. It centers on comfort, pain control, and emotional and practical support for both the patient and family, rather than aiming to cure the disease. This approach can be provided at any stage of illness and can accompany disease-directed treatments, making it especially relevant for someone with a terminal condition who wants to preserve comfort and dignity.

Other terms don’t fit this aim: neglect means withholding needed care; an ombudsman helps resolve rights and complaint issues for residents; perineal care is a hygiene task. None of these describe the focused comfort and symptom relief central to palliative care.