Chapter 14: Dying, Death, and Bereavement

Question 1

Social death

Answer 1

Refers to the perception or behaviour of others that indicates that they perceive or treat a person as if physically dead when the physical body has not yet died

Question 2

Trajectory of dying

Answer 2

The pattern or course of dying over time, for example, sudden death or slow decline

Question 3

Life review

Answer 3

A dying person looks over his or her life, seeks a conviction that one’s life has had meaning and purpose, ties up loose ends, achieves acceptance of the life lived, and prepares for death

Question 4

Ego integrity

Answer 4

The acceptance of the notion that one’s life cycle is something complete and unique

Question 5

Disenfranchised grief

Answer 5

Defined by society as illegitimate grief and therefore unacknowledged because society defines the relationship between the grieving person and the deceased as insignificant

Question 6

Morbid grieving

Answer 6

Also known as complicated or pathological grieving, refers to a pattern or duration of grieving that society considers abnormal and problematic

Question 7

Advance directives

Answer 7

A precise statement of the desired treatment and care, including what medical actions are to be taken under what conditions, and a declaration of who has the right to decide in the situation where the writer of the advance directive is no longer able to express his or her wishes

Question 8

Do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders

Answer 8

A person may request that if dying from a terminal disease, resuscitation not be attempted if the dying person’s heart stops; this request may lead the dying person’s physician to place a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order on the patient medical care chart

Question 9

Power of attorney

Answer 9

A legal document that gives someone, usually a lawyer, adult family member, or friend, the right to make decisions on behalf of the ill person if the person loses his or her mental capacity

Question 10

Hospice

Answer 10

A place or program of care designed to meet the special needs of dying patients

Question 11

Palliative care

Answer 11

Directed toward improving the quality of life for the dying, including symptom control and spiritual support as well as bereavement support, and education for the family members of dying patients

Question 12

Passive euthanasia

Answer 12

Withholding or ceasing treatment of someone who is ill or injured and not expected to recover