Which statement best matches the goal of palliative care?

• A. Delay symptom control
• B. Provide only physical therapy
• C. Anticipate, prevent, and treat suffering
• D. Cure the disease

Answer: (C)

Palliative care aims to ease suffering and improve quality of life by anticipating problems, preventing them when possible, and promptly treating them. This approach addresses not only physical symptoms like pain or breathlessness but also emotional, social, and spiritual needs, supporting both the patient and their family. It’s about comfort and well-being across all stages of illness, and it can be pursued alongside disease-directed treatments—there is room for curative efforts, but the primary goal is relief and quality of life, not curing the disease.

Delaying symptom control would keep patients uncomfortable and misses the proactive relief palliative care seeks. Providing only physical therapy is too narrow, as palliative care covers a broad range of symptoms and support beyond just physical rehabilitation. Curing the disease is not the exclusive aim; palliative care focuses on comfort and relief even when cure is not possible, though it can be offered together with curative or life-prolonging treatments.