Which example describes wasteful end-of-life care as stated?

• A. Providing intensive non-palliative end-of-life care
• B. Providing comprehensive palliative care
• C. Enrolling patients in hospice early
• D. Withholding all care at end of life

Answer: (A)

Wasteful end-of-life care happens when treatments are pursued aggressively to prolong life without improving comfort or quality, and without honoring the patient’s goals. Providing intensive non-palliative end-of-life care fits this pattern because it prioritizes extending life through invasive, life-prolonging measures rather than focusing on relief from suffering and aligning with the patient’s preferences. In contrast, comprehensive palliative care and enrolling patients in hospice early center on comfort, symptom management, and respecting the patient’s choices, which reduces unnecessary and burdensome interventions. Withholding all care can be appropriate in line with a patient’s informed wishes, so it isn’t inherently wasteful.