Ethics: EOL Decision Making

Question 1

T/F: Studies comparing sedated v. non-sedated patients in hospice have found a difference in survival

Answer 1

False. No difference.

Question 2

Aims to bring about death as rapidly and painlessly as possible through palliative treatments AND withholding life support interventions =

Answer 2

terminal sedation

Question 3

Established in palliative care as an option of last resort in persons very near death. Accepts theoretical risk of hastening death due to side effect of respiratory suppression =

Answer 3

palliative sedation

Question 4

An action with 2 possible outcomes, one good and one bad, is morally acceptable if the action is ____ (4 requirements)

Answer 4

-Not itself unethical
-Only intends the good effect
-Does not achieve the good
effect by means of the bad one
-Is done for a proportionately serious reason

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a common rationale for futility?
A. Quantitative futility
B. Medically-oriented futility
C. Qualitative futility
D. Goal-oriented futility

Answer 5

B

Quantitative futility: physiological or statistical
Qualitative futility: quality of life
Goal-oriented futility: goals are essentially unachievable

Question 6

T/F: Medical futility has a set criteria that must be met to be defined as medical futility.

Answer 6

False. There is no consensus

Question 7

T/F: Under Texas statute, if family disagrees with decision of medical futility, MD must make reasonable effort to transfer patient to a willing MD/facility. The MD and facility are is required to provide life-support therapy after 10 days of written decision.

Answer 7

False. The MD and facility are NOT required to provide life-support therapy after 10 days of written decision unless court ordered.