What is a comfort measures only order and when is it used?

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Multiple Choice

What is a comfort measures only order and when is it used?

Shifting goals of care toward comfort when prognosis is poor. A comfort measures only plan directs care to relief of symptoms and overall comfort, rather than attempting to cure the disease or prolong life. It involves stopping disease-modifying or life-prolonging treatments and avoiding resuscitation if the patient arrests. This approach is used when the illness is terminal or the prognosis is such that further aggressive treatment would not improve quality of life or might increase suffering, and when the patient’s (or surrogate’s) preferences are to prioritize comfort and dignity. Care focuses on symptom relief—pain control, relief of breathlessness, nausea, agitation—as well as emotional, spiritual, and family support, often documented through advance directives or orders like POLST/DNR.

Shifting goals of care toward comfort when prognosis is poor.

A comfort measures only plan directs care to relief of symptoms and overall comfort, rather than attempting to cure the disease or prolong life. It involves stopping disease-modifying or life-prolonging treatments and avoiding resuscitation if the patient arrests. This approach is used when the illness is terminal or the prognosis is such that further aggressive treatment would not improve quality of life or might increase suffering, and when the patient’s (or surrogate’s) preferences are to prioritize comfort and dignity. Care focuses on symptom relief—pain control, relief of breathlessness, nausea, agitation—as well as emotional, spiritual, and family support, often documented through advance directives or orders like POLST/DNR.

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