Certified Hospice and Palliative Assistant (CHPNA) Practice Test

What is the purpose of establishing a time-limited trial in patient care?

1. To increase the patient’s participation in treatment

2. To set clear goals for life-prolonging therapy

3. To ensure all patients receive equal treatment

4. To limit family involvement in decision-making

The correct answer is: To set clear goals for life-prolonging therapy

Establishing a time-limited trial in patient care is primarily aimed at setting clear goals for life-prolonging therapy. This approach allows healthcare providers and patients to define specific, measurable objectives for a particular treatment within a set timeframe. By doing so, it facilitates a focus on the patient's values and preferences, ensuring that any interventions are aligned with what the patient hopes to achieve. If the goals are met within the trial period, it may indicate that the treatment is appropriate to continue; if not, it provides a clear rationale for transitioning to other forms of care or support. This framework helps in making informed decisions about the continued necessity and effectiveness of certain interventions, potentially leading to a better quality of life for the patient. The additional options speak to different aspects of patient care, but they do not encapsulate the primary goal of a time-limited trial. Increasing participation might enhance patient engagement but is not the main objective. Ensuring equal treatment addresses fairness in care but doesn't relate directly to the focus of a time-limited trial. Limiting family involvement in decision-making contradicts the collaborative nature of healthcare; effective care should involve both patients and their families in discussions and decisions regarding treatment options.