Dying, Death And Bereavement

Question 0

Describe the 5 stage model of grief of adjusting to the idea of dying

Answer 0

1. Denial - refusal to discuss illness/the future
2. Anger - blame, search for alternatives
3. Bargaining - try to make a deal with God/medical professionals
4. Depression - realisation that nothing can be done, prepare for and mourn own death
5. Acceptance - accepts their death with calmness and peace

Question 1

Describe diversity in patterns of dying

Answer 1

Gradual - slow decline in ability and health e.g. terminal cancer, MND
Catastrophic - sudden and unexpected events e.g. heart attack, accidents
Premature - children and young adults through accidents or illness

Question 2

Explain the potential positive and negative implications of denial, in coming to terms with the diagnosis of a terminal illness

Answer 2

Positive - coping mechanism, not emotionally overwhelmed

Negative - can be a barrier to good care, not enough support, may not lead to a good death

Question 3

Describe ‘symptoms’ that are often expressed following bereavement

Answer 3

Increased risk of illness and mortality
Physical
Behavioural
Emotional
Cognitive

Question 4

Identify the risk factors for chronic grief following bereavement

Answer 4

Expression of grief discouraged

Ending of grief discouraged

Question 5

Describe the aims of palliative care

Answer 5

Increased QOL
Manage emotional and physical symptoms
Support patients to live productively
Give patients control

Question 6

Define the terms ‘active euthanasia’, ‘passive euthanasia’, ‘voluntary euthanasia’ ‘involuntary euthanasia’ and ‘assisted suicide’

Answer 6

Active euthanasia - active acceleration of death e.g. drugs
Passive euthanasia - passive withdrawal of treatment
Voluntary euthanasia - death is hastened at dying person’s request and with their consent
Involuntary euthanasia - decide to withdraw life support
Assisted suicide - form of active voluntary euthanasia, assists a terminally ill person to commit suicide in a painless and dignified way