Which statement reflects an ethical responsibility of hospice nurses according to the American Nurses Association?

The statement reflecting an ethical responsibility of hospice nurses, according to the American Nurses Association, emphasizes the importance of managing client pain and addressing the suffering it can cause. Hospice care is fundamentally focused on palliative care, which aims to enhance the quality of life for patients facing terminal illnesses by alleviating pain and discomfort.

In hospice settings, nurses are tasked with prioritizing the comfort of patients and ensuring that their needs related to pain management and emotional support are met. This approach aligns with the core principles of nursing ethics, which include beneficence (acting in the best interest of the patient) and non-maleficence (avoiding harm). By effectively managing pain and the associated suffering, hospice nurses fulfill their commitment to respect the dignity and autonomy of the patients they serve, while also supporting their families during the end-of-life process.

The other options do not align with the ethical responsibilities outlined in hospice care; for instance, administering curative treatments contradicts the palliative nature of hospice, dismissing client pain overlooks a critical aspect of patient care, and avoiding the discussion of death is counterproductive to the supportive role that hospice nurses must play in a patient's journey.