The Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) is an observer-rated tool that correlates with patient survival.

The Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) is an observer-rated tool that correlates with patient survival.

• A. False
• B. True
• C. It is a patient self-assessment tool.
• D. It measures only pain intensity.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that the Palliative Performance Scale is an observer-rated tool used to gauge a patient’s functional status and prognosis in palliative care, with scores that correlate with survival. Trained clinicians or caregivers observe five domains—ambulation, activity/evidence of disease, self-care, intake, and level of consciousness—and rate them to produce a 0–100 score in increments of 10. Because it reflects overall function and alertness, it tends to track with how long a patient may have left, helping guide prognosis and care planning. It is not a self-assessment by the patient, nor does it measure only pain intensity; pain is just one part of the broader functional picture. Hence, the statement is true.

The key idea is that the Palliative Performance Scale is an observer-rated tool used to gauge a patient’s functional status and prognosis in palliative care, with scores that correlate with survival. Trained clinicians or caregivers observe five domains—ambulation, activity/evidence of disease, self-care, intake, and level of consciousness—and rate them to produce a 0–100 score in increments of 10. Because it reflects overall function and alertness, it tends to track with how long a patient may have left, helping guide prognosis and care planning. It is not a self-assessment by the patient, nor does it measure only pain intensity; pain is just one part of the broader functional picture. Hence, the statement is true.