Ethical / Legal Issues Affecting Patients in Later Years

Question 1

______ refers to the personal freedom to direct one’s own life as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others

Answer 1

Autonomy

Question 2

______ refers to the ability to fulfill one’s role and handle one’s affairs in a responsible manner

Answer 2

Competency

Question 3

______ refers to the person assigned to make decisions when someone is declared incompetent

Answer 3

Guardianship

Question 4

______ refers to the measure of a person’s ability to make informed and logical decisions

Answer 4

Decision-making capacity

Question 5

______ refers to any attitude, action, or institutional structure which subordinates a person / group because of age

Answer 5

Ageism

Question 6

What are the 3 types of ageism?

Answer 6

• Social
• Workplace
• Medical

Question 7

Describe social ageism

Answer 7

Society’s view of elderly as negative

Question 8

Describe workplace ageism

Answer 8

View that elderly cannot work as well as younger

Question 9

Describe medical ageism

Answer 9

Withholding proper care due to age

Question 10

Poor care may occur due to the belief that the elderly … (3)

Answer 10

• Are unemployed
• Have a short life expectancy
• Benefit little from healthcare interventions

Question 11

Every person should have the right to die with ______

Answer 11

Dignity

Question 12

What is included in death with dignity? (2)

Answer 12

• Choosing death timing
• Painless death

Question 13

In 2023, Pennsylvania lawmakers introduced the ______ Act

Answer 13

Compassionate Aid in Dying

Question 14

______ is offered for those who are 65 and older / have a qualifying disability

Answer 14

Medicare

Question 15

______ is offered for individuals, families, and children with limited income and resources

Answer 15

Medicaid

Question 16

Decision-making capacity is related to a ______, not a general designation

Answer 16

Single decision

Question 17

Decision-making capacity is NOT determined by …

Answer 17

Age or diagnosis

Question 18

Every adult is ______

Answer 18

Competent

Question 19

What must be compared when assessing mental incompetency?

Answer 19

Past vs current functioning

Question 20

What are the steps of assessing mental incompetency? (3)

Answer 20

• Identify areas of concern
• Psychiatric evaluation
• Neuropsychological testing

Question 21

Legal guardianships can be established in a ______

Answer 21

Will / advanced directive

Question 22

A ______ can be assigned if there is no assigned guardian through a will / advanced directive

Answer 22

Legally appointed decision maker

Question 23

A ______ can be filed to resolve conflicts of guardianship

Answer 23

Petition

Question 24

Legal guardianship is a ______

Answer 24

Last resort - allow the patient to maintain independence

Question 25

What type of document specifies medical desired treatment if incapacitated as a result of terminal illness?

Answer 25

Living will / advanced directive

Question 26

What type of document designates an alternative decision maker in the event that a person is incapacitated?

Answer 26

Durable power of attorney / healthcare proxy

Question 27

What type of document is used by faculties to communicate the patient’s wishes if they are unable to communicate themselves?

Answer 27

Physician order for life sustaining treatment