What is the impact of palliative care on the process of weaning PMV patients?

A. Palliative care seems to delay the ventilator discontinuation process for PMV patients.
B. Palliative care appears to accelerate the process of liberating a PMV patient from mechanical ventilation.
C. Palliative care has no affect on the outcome of the process of weaning a PMV patient.
D. No studies have been conducted concerning the influence of palliative care on attempts to liberate PMV patients from ventilatory support.

ANS: B
A. Incorrect response: See explanation B.
B. Correct response: PMV patients have reported an array of symptoms that health care providers often underappreciate. Therefore effective symptom palliation is an essential component in the care of PMV patients. The care entails the awareness of common symptoms such as thirst, dyspnea, pain, and anxiety. A special challenge to provide palliation includes giving sedatives, analgesics, and other pharmacologic interventions without compromising wakefulness, airway clearance, and strength.
C. Incorrect response: See explanation B.
D. Incorrect response: See explanation B