Certified Ostomy Care Nurse (COCN) Practice Exam – Prep & Study Guide

Ovarian cancer may require an ostomy as a palliative care therapy because the primary goal of palliative care is to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. In the context of advanced ovarian cancer, an ostomy can be performed to manage complications such as bowel obstruction or to address other issues that may arise from the cancer or its treatment. This intervention allows for better symptom management and can help alleviate discomfort, allowing the patient to maintain a more dignified and comfortable life during their illness.

Preventive care typically involves measures taken to prevent the onset of disease, while curative care aims to eradicate the disease altogether. In advanced stages of cancer where a cure is not feasible, these options would not be applicable. Supportive care refers more broadly to supportive measures across various aspects of care, but in the specific context of utilizing an ostomy for symptom relief, palliative is the most accurate term.