What is a primary focus during the terminal care phase of heart failure?

During the terminal care phase of heart failure, the primary focus shifts toward optimizing the quality of life for the patient. This stage often involves managing symptoms and ensuring comfort, as the goal is to provide palliative care that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient.

Quality of life in this context encompasses pain management, symptom relief, and emotional support for both the patient and their family. This approach recognizes the inevitability of the patient's condition and prioritizes dignity and comfort, rather than aggression in treatment or prolonging life at all costs.

In contrast, the development of new medical treatments is not a focus during this phase, as the aim is not to initiate potentially burdensome therapies that may not significantly improve the patient's quality of life. Maximizing laboratory test results does not align with the goals of terminal care, which centers on the patient experience rather than strict medical metrics. Immediate family relocations are also generally not a consideration in this context, as the emphasis is on maintaining stability and comfort for the patient during their final days.