Chapter 12 Death and Dying Flashcards
brain death
- circulatory and respiratory functions have irreversibly ceased
- the entire brain including the brains stem has irreversibly ceased to function
Uniform determination of death act
a proposal that established uniform guidelines for determining when death has occurred
coma
deep stupor from which the patient cannot be roused by external stimuli
persistent vegetative state (PVS)
a result of sever mental impairment, characterized by irreversible cessation of the higher functions of the brain, most often caused by damage to the cerebral cortex
signs of death
- cannot breathe without assistance
- has no coughing or gagging reflex
- has no pupil response to light
- has no blinking reflex
- has no grimace
- has no response to pain
reasons why autopsies are performed
- information that may clarify death
- postmordem exam that determines cause of death
- must be performed in cases of suspicious or due to homicide
reasons why autopsies are on the decline
- families are reluctant to give consent
- insurance companies and government health care programs usually do not pay
- some clinician argue technological advances have made diagnoses more accurate
palliative care
treatment of terminally ill patient’s symptoms to make dying more comfortable; also called comfort care
curative care
treatment directed toward curing a patient’s disease
hospice
a facility or program in which teams of health care practitioners and volunteers provide a continuing environment that focuses on the physical emotional and psychological needs of the dying patient.
euthanasia
the greek term meaning good death
terminally ill
referring to patients who are expected to die within 6 months
thanatology
the study of death and of the psychological methods of coping with it
Landmark cases that effected the right to die
- Karen Ann Quinlan
- Nancy Beth Cruzan
- Terry Shiavo
Uniform Rights of the terminally ill act
a 1989 recommendation of the Nation Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws that all states construct laws to address advance directives.