Unit 12 End Of Life

Question 1

Algor Mortis

Answer 1

Post Morten cooling which occurs when no further heat is produced by metabolism. Body temperature falls gradually after death, approx 1 degree F/hr.

Question 2

Rigor Mortis

Answer 2

Muscular rigidity that occurs as a result of conversation of glycogen to lactic acid. This causes the muscles to become rigid. Occurs a few hours after death, takes 24 hours.
Body remains stiff and rigid for up to 6 days.
Properly position the body before this process sets in.

Question 3

Livor Mortis

Answer 3

This is a a reddish/purple discoloration that develops in the dependent part of a decreased body. Blood is no longer being pumped through the body. Begin about 30 mins following death and is fully developed after 6 hours.

Question 4

Putrefaction

Answer 4

Decomposition of a deceased body by bacteria. The rate of putrefaction depends on heat and moisture. Coolness and dryness delay this process. Usually effective for 1 - 2 weeks.

Question 5

Multi-Morbidity

Answer 5

2 or more chronic conditions in the same individual

WHO- chronic health problems requiring on going management over a period of years

Question 6

Co-Morbidity

Answer 6

Not the same in that one disease is primary the rest exist beside

Question 7

Hospice Care

Answer 7

Program that delivers palliative care to dying individual and support to dying person and that person’s family and caregiver.

Question 8

Palliative Care

Answer 8

Care that relieves suffering and provides comfort when cure is not possible.

Question 9

Grief

Answer 9

is a strong, deep sorrow that sometimes is overwhelming emotion for people.
5 stages of grief:
Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance

Question 10

End of Life Care

Answer 10

Is support for people who are in the last months or years of their life. This care should help you live as well as possible until you die and die with dignity.

Question 11

Bereavement

Answer 11

The period after a loss during which grief is experience and mourning occurs. Duration depends on both how attached the person was to the person who dies and the amount of preparation time anticipation the loss.

Question 12

Mourning

Answer 12

The process by which people adapt to a loss.

Question 13

Pronouncement of Death

Answer 13

Lack of pulse, breath sounds, and heartbeat will help pronounce death.
When death occurs and the death is expected, the nurse or physician can pronounce death.
Document date and time.