Chapter 19: Dealing With Death And Bereavement Flashcards
What are some customs done to honor those who have died
Wakes, shiva, flags at half mast
What are the eight aspects of death listed in the notes
Biological, social, cultural, historical, religious, legal, psychological, and ethical
Where did modern practices of cremating people and embalming people come from
Greece burned their heroes: cremating
The Egyptians and Chinese embalmed the dead
What percent of deaths in the US occur among the elderly?
75%
Why are deaths happening later in life on average (3 reasons)
Women are less likely to die in child birth
Infant mortality rates have declined
Advances in medical technology and sanitation (pharmaceuticals)
What shift in care of the dying has occurred
It used to be that it took place in isolation by professions but there is a shift now towards being at home in hospice or home health care
What are three methods that have aided in the resurgence if interest in understand death and dealing with it compassionately
Thanatology: study of death and dying
Hospice care: making comfortable, taking care of pain and more symptoms are being dealt with
Palliative care: only makes comfortable, doesn’t treat symptoms
T/F there are cognitive and functional declines shortly before death
True
What can the near-death experience likely be attributed to
The patient being hypoxic due to lack of oxygen in the brain, hallucinating
Describe Kubler-Ross’s five stages of coming in terms with dying
Denial Anger Bargaining Depression Acceptance
This is for grieving all things as well, originally made to deal with ones own death. This list is not universal or sequential
T/F there is typically a universal pattern to grieving
False
The degree if distress varies a lot on….
Social capital, your personality, how dependent you were on that person.
Grief therapy may or may not be useful depending on the person
Five suggestions to helping people grieve
- Allow person to talk about feelings of loss and or memories
- Don’t offer false comfort or trite sayings
- Offer practical help- don’t just offer to bring over dinner, actually do it
- Be patient and available to talk and listen
- Suggest professional help when necessary- if interfering with daily life and you feel close enough
Describe the understanding of death from a 5-7 year olds perspective
They do not understand that death is irreversible, universal, and inevitable
They better understand death if it is a part of their experience
describe how an adolescence deals with death
Don’t think about death to much, think it won’t happen to death
They take needless risk and think they are invincible
T/F: realization, acceptance, of the inevitability of death increases through adulthood
true
Which gender is more likely to be widowed
Women, bc they live longer
What is more important in dealing with death, ago or coping skills?
Coping skills
How does the loss of parents affect relationships with others
Usually leads to changes in self and relationships with others, start cherishing relationships with living relatives
Surviving a child weakens or destroys what percent of marriages
16%
Surviving a child is out of the norm
T/F compared to other countries, miscarriage is viewed as a devastating loss
False, not generally viewed as a significant loss in the US
How do other cultures deal with miscarriage
Japan has rituals to mourn miscarried and aborted fetuses
Hoppi Indians don’t speak of the dead, are expected to forget it
Day of the dead in Mexico
What is the typically length of mourning for parents who have lost kids
Men: 3-6 months
Women: 9-24 months
T/F suicide is still illegal
False, although there is still a stigma
How many states have the “right to die” what is it and what is the criteria to be eligible?
What is another name for it?
In 5 states ( OR, WA, MT) it is considered passive immunization
For chronic degenerative illnesses
Have to have two physicians agree that you have less than 6 months to live 15 days apart from one another
Have to be a resident of one of those five states for 6 months prior
Another name is physician assisted suicide (PAS)
What demographic is most likely to use the “right to die” bill
White, wealth educated males, who are used to always having control most likely
Cancer is the leading disease in this
T/F suicide is the 8th leading cause of death, and the third among college students
False, it is the 10th leading cause of death, and the second among college students
Which gender is most likely to attempt to commit suicide, which is more successful and why?
Women are more likely to attempt, males are more successful because they choose more violent methods.
What are three other forms of PAS
DNR- do not recessitate laws
Advanced directives/living will
Durable power of attorney
T/F besides the US, active euthanasia is legal in Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and France
False, it is legal in all of those countries but it is ILLEGAL IN THE US
T/F in the US, only a minority favor passive euthanasia
False, a majority favor it
What are the cultural views of the Navajos, Chinese, and African Americans/Hispanics on preparation for death
Navajos are not permitted to plan for death
Chinese protect the dying from unfavorable information about their condition
African Americans and Hispanics are more likely to favor longevity over health/quality of life
T/F the greater purpose you find in life, the less afraid you are to die
True
What are two ways older people help themselves to find significance in their life
Reminiscing as well as completing unfinished tasks, for example bucket lists.
