Lecture 4.2: Dying, Death & Bereavement

Question 1

Types of Natural Death (3)

Answer 1

• Gradual (slow decline in ability and health)
• Catastrophic (sudden, unexpected events)
• Premature (children and young adults)

Question 2

Types of Unnatural Death (4)

Answer 2

• Accident
• Suicide
• Homicide
• Undetermined

Question 3

Causes of Death (Broad Percentages)

Answer 3

• Diseases of the Respiratory System [15%]
• Diseases of the Cardiovascular System [28%]
• Cancer [29%]
• Other [29%]

Question 4

The 5-Stage Grief Model (Kübler-Ross, 1969)

Answer 4

• Denial
• Anger
• Bargaining
• Depression
• Acceptance

Question 5

Euthanasia: For Argument

Answer 5

• People should have the right to decide
• Euthanasia happens anyway
• Allows good quality of life
• Less pain, more dignity
• Most people are in favour

Question 6

Euthanasia: Against Argument

Answer 6

• Sanctity of life
• Intentional killing is not allowed
• A cure may be found
• People choosing euthanasia are depressed
• Reduced respect for human life (potentially damaging for society)
• Good palliative care means euthanasia is unnecessary

Question 7

What is Assisted Suicide?

Answer 7

• Assisted suicide is the act of deliberately assisting or encouraging another
person to kill themselves
• PAS = Physician Assisted Suicide

Question 8

Decision Making at End of life (3 Main)

Answer 8

• DNACPR
• Escalation of Treatment
• Advance Care Planning

Question 9

What is DNACPR?

Answer 9

• Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
• In the event of those functions ceasing in a person

Question 10

What is involved in Palliative Care? (7)

Answer 10

• Improve quality of life
• Manage emotional and physical symptoms
• Empower patients to take control of life
• Support productive living
• Promote ‘good death’, death as a normal process
• Offer a support system to the family
• Prepare for death