Death And Dying

Question 1

How to handle workplace bullying/harassment

Answer 1

Report it
Set boundaries
Communicate

Question 2

What is physical death

Answer 2

Absence of life
No stimulus response
There is a grey area with people who are brain dead

Question 3

Clinical signs of death

Answer 3

Multisystem failure
Brain failure
ECOG failure
Cardiac arrest

Question 4

Problems of aging

Answer 4

Loss of function
Loss of independence
Loss of belonging
Loss of respect

Question 5

What happens if people experience loss

Answer 5

Anger
Denial and shock
Depression
Bargaining
Acceptance

Question 6

Difference between fear, worry and anxiety

Answer 6

Fear - rational
Worry - unfinished business
Anxiety - irrational fear

Question 7

Management of emotion

Answer 7

Accept what it is: harsh reality

Reality can change

Anticipate emotions and have a game plan

Don’t try to fix it yourself

Let them out

Give yourself a break

Aim for happiness

Question 8

As an RT what can we do for patients experiencing loss

Answer 8

Understand the patient’s issues

Manage emotions

Give hope

Take care of ourself

Question 9

Death’s reputation

Answer 9

Fear and anxiety due to
- language around dying
- uncertainty about death
- sanitisation of death
- expectation and disappointment
- accountability and blame

Question 10

Difference between Sadness and Depression

Answer 10

Depression is a long lasting sadness

Sadness - temporary change in emotion

Question 11

What are some skills of RTs to help patients and also ensure personal care

Answer 11

1. Communication
2. Personal care: set boundaries, manage stress, take time out, know yourself
3. Reality and expectations: work on leadership, know that there is no perfect job, understand that people are all complex