End of Life Issues

Question 1

what is palliative care?

Answer 1

goal is to prevent or treat as early as possible to address the symptoms and side effects of the disease and it’s treatment

Question 2

what are the main focuses of palliative care?

Answer 2

goal is not always to cure

focus on patient’s quality of life

Question 3

what are advanced directives

Answer 3

• type of resuscitation desired
• extent of support desired (3 options)
• living will
• health proxy should pt be incapacitated

Question 4

what are the three code statuses

Answer 4

full code

limited code

no code

Question 5

what does a full code entail

Answer 5

chest compressions

electrical shock

pharmacologic cardioversion

mechanical ventilation

Question 6

what does a limited code entail

Answer 6

DNI (do not intubate)

no mechanical ventilation

Question 7

what does a no code entail

Answer 7

DNR (do not resuscitate)

DNI

Question 8

what are life sustaining procedures

Answer 8

• tube feedings
• IV meds
• hemodialysis
• ventricular assist device
• blood transfusions

Question 9

what is option 1 of extent of support?

Answer 9

pt does not want life prolonged or life-sustaining treatment

Question 10

what is option 2 of extent of support?

Answer 10

pt wants life to be prolonged and life sustaining treatment unless they are in a coma in which the physician believes is irreversible

Question 11

what is option 3 of extent of support

Answer 11

pt wants their life to be prolonged to the greatest extent possible without regard to their condition, chances of recovery, or cost of procedures