Care of Dying Patient

Question 1

3 Definitions of Death

Answer 1

Irreversible cessation of heart- lung function
Cessation of whole brain function
Cessation of higher brain function

Question 2

Clinical death widely defined as

Answer 2

irreversible cessation of heat-lung function (heartbeat and respirations)

Question 3

vegetative state in which pt has no consciousness, speech, or feelings but is able to independently maintain respirations.

Answer 3

“higher brain” function

Question 4

inability to maintain circulation and respiration; pt depends on ventilator for breathing & circulation

Answer 4

lower brain function

Question 5

Legal definition of death

Answer 5

irreversible cessation of circulatory &respiratory function
irreversible cessation of all brain function including brain stem

Question 6

What determines who can pronounce and certify a death?

Answer 6

State laws

Question 7

An organ donor may have an organ harvested while they are clinically alive. T or F

Answer 7

True (clinically alive, meaning hooked up to machine for breathing)

Question 8

____ can pronounce death, but ____ has to certify death.

Answer 8

Nurse; MD

Question 9

Kubles Ross stages of Grief

Answer 9

Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance

Question 10

Physical Sings of Dying

Answer 10

BP and heart rate decrease
Skin changes (palor, cyanotic, jaundice, mottling)
Respiration rhythm and rate changes (tachy/bradycardia)
Decreases urinary output secondary to organ failure

Question 11

Build up in fluid in airway aka

Answer 11

death rattle

Question 12

Last sense “to go” when dying

Answer 12

Hearing

Question 13

Goal of Hospice

Answer 13

Relief of syx and patient/ familial support w/ a life expectancy of 6 months or less

Question 14

goal of palliative care

Answer 14

Improving quality of life for pt at any time during life threatening illness through prevention and relief and support