End of Life Issues

Question 1

Advanced directives include

Answer 1

Living wills & DPOA

Question 2

Describe what a living will consists of

Answer 2

Legal doucment, witnessed and notarized. Utilized for terminal illness/ permanent unconsciousness.Spells out desires of treatments. Become effective only once patient becomes unconscious or unable to make decisions.

Question 3

reatWhat is a DPOA and when do they in effect?

Answer 3

Agent named to make medical decisions. In effect once pt is unconscious or unable to make decisions. May specify treatments

Question 4

Why would a pt have both a living will and a DPOA?

Answer 4

Living will tends to deal with very end of life issues, while a DPOA could make additional decisions such as dialysis and blood transfusions

Question 5

CPR may include:

Answer 5

Chest compressions, Insertion of airway, resusciation drugs, defib/cardioversion, respiratory assistance, resuscitation IV lines, cardiac monitor

Question 6

DNR-CC

Answer 6

Goal: easy pain and suffering. Will suction airways, administer oxygen, give pain meds, control breathing. Will not admin chest compressions, resuscitation drugs, defib, insert airway/chest tube, initiate cardiac monitoring

Question 7

DNR-CC-Arrest

Answer 7

Standard medical care up until arrest actually occurs

Question 8

Could a DNR-CC-Arrest pt have an airway placed?

Answer 8

Yes, unless all respirations have ceased

Question 9

Who can complete a DNR form?

Answer 9

Physician or advanced practice nurse. A living will can direct a physician to initiate DNR status if not already in place.

Question 10

Order of hierachy:

Answer 10

Living will, DPOA, Guardian, Spouse, Adult child, parents, adult sibling, nearest blood relative, close friend