Diagnosis Of Death

Question 1

What are the conditions in which death can be diagnosed in patients (including children?)

Answer 1

• decapitation
• massive cranial and cerebral destruction
• hemicorporectomy/injuries incompatible with life
• incineration: full thickness burns with charring of greater than 95% of the body surface
• decomposition/putrification
• hypostasis
• rigor mortis
• confirmed submission in non-icy water for more than 60 minutes
  -confirmed submission in icy water for more than 90 minutes

Question 2

When can resuscitation be terminated?

Answer 2

when all are met:
- no signs of respiration
- no palpable pulse
- no pupillary light reflexes
- sustained asystole after more than 30 minutes of ALS

Question 3

What are the exceptions to the termination of resus?

Answer 3

• pregnant patients
• hypothermic patients
• drug overdose/poisoning
• children less than 18

Question 4

What is an advanced decision to refuse treatment?

Answer 4

• Lets HCPs know your wishes if you aren’t able to communicate them.
• enables someone 18 or over to make a decision whilst still capable to refuse specified medical treatment in future when they may lack capacity.
• takes precedence over ‘best interest’ decisions

Question 5

What is an advance statement?

Answer 5

• sets preferences, wishes, beliefs and values regarding future care
• can include:
  
  • how you want your religion included in your care
  • where/how you want to be cared for
  • how you like to do things

Question 6

What is a DNACPR?

Answer 6

-A document to guide HCPs on the best action to take should a person suffer cardiac arrest