Euthanasia

Question 1

Active Euthanasia

Answer 1

The deliberate act of bringing about death

Question 2

Advance Directive

Answer 2

Sometimes called a ‘living will’, describes a document which a patient draws up whilst competent to do so concerning his/her preferences about medical treatment in the event of becoming incompetent. These are not legal documents in this country

Question 3

Assisted Suicide

Answer 3

When a competent patient has formed a desire to end his/her life but requires help to perform the act. This may be because they have become unconscious or they are disabled. It may also be the giving of drugs or information for the purpose of assisting suicide

Question 4

DNR

Answer 4

‘Do not resuscitate’- can be at request of patient or family

Question 5

Double Effect

Answer 5

In some cases where a patient has an incurable illness, drugs may be given with the intention of relieving suffering, but which have the unintentional side effect of also shortening the patient’s life

Question 6

Euthanasia

Answer 6

A gentle or an easy death. The term is used to refer to deliberate and intentional intervention to end a life

Question 7

Involuntary Euthanasia

Answer 7

The killing of a person, usually in extreme pain, who is competent to request or consent to the act but does not do so e.g. soldier with extreme injuries who cannot be treated

Question 8

Living Will

Answer 8

Document sets out patient’s wishes regarding health care if seriously ill and unable to make or communicate own choices

Question 9

Medical Futility

Answer 9

A situation in which treatment achieves no positive medical results, or is against the patient’s best interests

Question 10

Non-Voluntary Euthanasia

Answer 10

The killing of a patient who does not have the capacity to understand what euthanasia means and cannot therefore form a request/withhold consent

Question 11

Palliative Care

Answer 11

Where cure or long-term treatment control of a disease is not possible palliative care is concerned with the quality of life, dealing with troublesome and distressing symptoms, alleviating pain and providing comfort to the patient. It neither hastens nor postpones death

Question 12

Passive Euthanasia

Answer 12

The withdrawal of treatment necessary for the continuation of life

Question 13

Persistent Vegetative State

Answer 13

A condition in which someone remains unconscious and the chances of regaining consciousness become increasingly remote

Question 14

Voluntary Euthanasia

Answer 14

The patient’s death is brought about at his/her own request