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Patients who are enrolled in hospice care through Medicare are often felt to suffer unnecessarily because they do not receive adequate attention for their symptoms of the underlying illness. What factor most contributes to this phenomenon?

  • A. Unwillingness to overmedicate the dying patient
  • B. Rules concerning completion of all cure-focused medical treatment
  • C. Unwillingness of patients and families to acknowledge the patient is terminal
  • D. Lack of knowledge of patients and families regarding availability of care
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The factor that most contributes to patients in hospice care not receiving adequate attention for their symptoms of the underlying illness is the unwillingness of patients and families to acknowledge that the patient is terminal. When patients and families are in denial or struggle to accept the terminal nature of the illness, they may avoid focusing on symptom management and comfort care that is essential in hospice care. This can prevent healthcare providers from effectively addressing and managing the patient's symptoms, leading to unnecessary suffering for the patient. Accepting the terminal nature of the illness allows for a shift in focus towards providing quality end-of-life care that prioritizes symptom management and comfort for the patient.