Module W: Definitions

Question 1

Acceptance

Answer 1

the final stage of grief (in response to near death) when person has worked through feelings and understands that death is imminent

Question 2

Advance Directive

Answer 2

– a living will written while resident is mentally competent or by resident’s legal representative which outlines choices about withdrawing or withholding life-sustaining procedures, if terminally ill

Question 3

Anger

Answer 3

the second stage of grief (in response to near death) when person expresses rage and resentment; often upset by smallest things; lashes out at anyone

Question 4

Apnea

Answer 4

respiration stops

Question 5

Bargaining

Answer 5

– the third stage of grief (in response to near death) when person tries to arrange for more time to live to take care of unfinished business; bargains with the doctors or God

Question 6

Cheyne-Stokes Breathing

Answer 6

when resident takes several shallow breaths followed by periods of no breathing for 5, 30, or even 60 seconds; does not cause the resident discomfort

Question 7

Death

Answer 7

the end of life and cessation of bodily functions

Question 8

Denial

Answer 8

the first stage of grief (in response to near death) when a person is told of impending death; person may refuse to accept diagnosis or discuss situation

Question 9

Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)

Answer 9

an order written by a doctor at the request of a resident, which tells the health care team that the resident does not wish any extraordinary measures to be used when resident suffers cardiac or respiratory arrest

Question 10

Depression

Answer 10

the fourth stage of grief (in response to near death) when person begins the process of mourning; cries, withdraws from others

Question 11

Dying

Answer 11

the near end of life and near cessation of bodily functions

Question 12

End of Life Care

Answer 12

support and care provided during the time surrounding death

Question 13

Extraordinary Measures

Answer 13

interventions used to restore heart beat or respiratory effort (cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR)

Question 14

Five Stages of Grief

Answer 14

stages of grief in response to near death, based on personal, cultural and religious beliefs and experiences, according to Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

Question 15

Hospice Care

Answer 15

health care agency or program for people who are dying (usually less than six months to live) that provides comfort measures and pain management, preserves dignity, respect and choice, and offers empathy and support for the resident and the family

Question 16

Mottling

Answer 16

changes in skin color (pale and bluish) of the hands, arms, feet, and legs when death is near

Question 17

Obituary

Answer 17

a description (typically placed in a local newspaper) of a resident’s life, including listing of relatives, birth information, accomplishments/activities, and death, written upon the death of the resident

Question 18

Post Mortem Care

Answer 18

care of the body after death