Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What option may be granted to an older adult requiring palliative care in Canada?

1. Temporary release

2. Conditional discharge

3. Parole by exception

4. Medical furlough

The correct answer is: Parole by exception

In the context of palliative care for older adults in Canada, the option that may be granted is parole by exception. This concept is particularly relevant when considering individuals who are in a healthcare setting but may be nearing the end of life and wish to spend their final days in a more comfortable or meaningful environment, such as their home or with loved ones. Parole by exception allows for medical professionals to make compassionate determinations regarding a person’s living situation based on their health status and prognosis, taking into account the focus on quality of life. The other options, while they may pertain to different legal or healthcare scenarios, do not specifically address the needs and considerations of older adults receiving palliative care. For instance, temporary release typically applies in correctional contexts rather than healthcare settings, and conditional discharge is also more related to conditions set in legal settings. Medical furlough, while it could sound relevant, does not align as closely with the specific processes and compassionate aspects of palliative care as parole by exception does. Essentially, the emphasis in palliative care is on the dignity and comfort of the patient, which is best supported through the provisions allowed by parole by exception.