Week 6: Care of the Dying Patient & Basic Life Support Flashcards

1
Q

Define:

Death and Dying

A

The process of life ending, including the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects associated with the cessation of life.

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2
Q

Define:

Palliative Care

A

A type of medical care focused on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of serious illness, with the goal of improving quality of life.

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3
Q

Define:

End of Life Care

A

Care provided to individuals who are in the final stages of a terminal illness, focusing on comfort and support rather than curative treatment.

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4
Q

Define:

Imminent End of Life

A

The stage in which death is approaching and expected to occur soon, marked by significant physical and sometimes spiritual changes.

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5
Q

Define:

Therapeutic Touch

A

A technique where physical contact is used to comfort and provide emotional support to patients, often through gentle or purposeful touch.

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6
Q

Define:

Debriefing Sessions

A

Meetings or discussions after significant events or experiences to reflect on and process what happened, aimed at providing support and gaining insights.

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7
Q

Define:

Basic Life Support (BLS)

A

A set of life-saving techniques used to treat patients in cardiac arrest or those who are unresponsive and not breathing normally.

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8
Q

Define:

Cardiac Arrest

A

A medical emergency where the heart stops beating effectively, leading to a lack of blood flow to the body and brain.

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9
Q

Define:

Primary Survey

A

A foundational assessment tool used in emergency situations to quickly identify and address life-threatening conditions. It includes checking for responsiveness, airway, breathing, and circulation.

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10
Q

Define:

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

A

A lifesaving technique used to restore blood flow and breathing in a patient who is in cardiac arrest. It involves chest compressions and, if trained, ventilations.

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11
Q

Define:

Defibrillator

A

A medical device that delivers an electric shock to the heart to reset its rhythm and restore normal heart function. It is used when a patient is in a shockable rhythm.

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12
Q

Define:

Chest Compressions

A

The process of applying pressure to the center of the chest to manually pump blood through the heart and lungs during CPR.

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13
Q

Define:

Ventilations

A

The act of providing artificial breathing to a patient who is not breathing or not breathing adequately, typically using a bag-valve-mask (BVM).

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14
Q

Define:

Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM)

A

A device used to provide positive pressure ventilation to patients who are not breathing or breathing inadequately. It consists of a bag, a valve, and a mask.

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15
Q

Define:

Defibrillation

A

The use of a defibrillator to deliver an electric shock to the heart to correct abnormal heart rhythms and restore a normal heartbeat.

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16
Q

Define:

Shockable Rhythm

A

A type of abnormal heart rhythm that can be corrected with defibrillation, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia.

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17
Q

Define:

Full Chest Recoil

A

Allowing the chest to return to its normal position between compressions during CPR to ensure effective blood flow.

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18
Q

What is…

The process of life ending, including the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects associated with the cessation of life.

A

Death and Dying

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19
Q

What is…

A type of medical care focused on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of serious illness, with the goal of improving quality of life.

A

Palliative Care

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20
Q

What is…

Care provided to individuals who are in the final stages of a terminal illness, focusing on comfort and support rather than curative treatment.

A

End of Life Care

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21
Q

What is…

The stage in which death is approaching and expected to occur soon, marked by significant physical and sometimes spiritual changes.

A

Imminent End of Life

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22
Q

What is…

A technique where physical contact is used to comfort and provide emotional support to patients, often through gentle or purposeful touch.

A

Therapeutic Touch

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23
Q

What is…

Meetings or discussions after significant events or experiences to reflect on and process what happened, aimed at providing support and gaining insights.

A

Debriefing Sessions

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24
Q

What is…

A set of life-saving techniques used to treat patients in cardiac arrest or those who are unresponsive and not breathing normally.

A

Basic Life Support (BLS)

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25
Q

What is…

A medical emergency where the heart stops beating effectively, leading to a lack of blood flow to the body and brain.

A

Cardiac Arrest

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26
Q

What is…

A foundational assessment tool used in emergency situations to quickly identify and address life-threatening conditions. It includes checking for responsiveness, airway, breathing, and circulation.

A

Primary Survey

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27
Q

What is…

A lifesaving technique used to restore blood flow and breathing in a patient who is in cardiac arrest. It involves chest compressions and, if trained, ventilations.

A

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

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28
Q

What is…

A medical device that delivers an electric shock to the heart to reset its rhythm and restore normal heart function. It is used when a patient is in a shockable rhythm.

A

Defibrillator

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29
Q

What is…

The process of applying pressure to the center of the chest to manually pump blood through the heart and lungs during CPR.

A

Chest Compressions

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30
Q

What is…

The act of providing artificial breathing to a patient who is not breathing or not breathing adequately, typically using a bag-valve-mask (BVM).

A

Ventilations

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31
Q

What is…

A device used to provide positive pressure ventilation to patients who are not breathing or breathing inadequately. It consists of a bag, a valve, and a mask.

A

Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM)

32
Q

What is…

The use of a defibrillator to deliver an electric shock to the heart to correct abnormal heart rhythms and restore a normal heartbeat.

A

Defibrillation

33
Q

What is…

A type of abnormal heart rhythm that can be corrected with defibrillation, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia.

A

Shockable Rhythm

34
Q

What is…

Allowing the chest to return to its normal position between compressions during CPR to ensure effective blood flow.

A

Full Chest Recoil

35
Q

What are some physical changes that occur as death approaches?

A

Some physical changes include weak pulse, cold hands, changes in skin color, decreased urine output, irregular breathing patterns, diminished need for food, loss of swallowing ability, and irregular sleep patterns.

36
Q

Why is it important to explain changes to the patient’s family in a clear manner?

A

It’s important to avoid misconceptions and provide reassurance by explaining changes in a calm and clear manner, avoiding medical jargon.

37
Q

How should a nurse communicate with a patient who is unresponsive?

A

The nurse should continue to speak to the patient, explaining what they are doing, and treat them with respect and dignity.

38
Q

What are some ways to comfort a patient’s family?

A

Comfort can be provided through respect, compassion, active listening, and making the patient physically comfortable. Even without direct answers, your presence and support are valuable.

39
Q

What should you do if a patient expresses fear about dying?

A

Listen actively and supportively. Your presence and attentiveness are important, and you don’t need to provide answers about death.

40
Q

How should you support family members after a patient’s death?

A

Continue to provide support, explain what happened, and offer comfort. Listening to their grief is crucial.

41
Q

Is it acceptable for healthcare professionals to show emotions in front of patients and their families?

A

Yes, showing emotions such as crying is acceptable and reflects compassion. However, if it affects your ability to continue work, seek support and reflect on your feelings.

42
Q

What is a common reaction when a recent loss reminds you of a patient?

A

It is a common reaction to feel emotional. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and consider self-care strategies to manage them.

43
Q

Why is self-care important for healthcare professionals dealing with end-of-life situations?

A

Self-care is crucial to ensure that professionals can effectively care for others. Reflecting on experiences, attending debriefing sessions, and seeking support help manage the emotional impact of the work.

44
Q

What analogy is used to emphasize the importance of self-care for healthcare professionals?

A

The analogy is putting on your own oxygen mask before helping others, highlighting the need to take care of oneself to effectively care for others.

45
Q

What are the indications for performing Basic Life Support (BLS)?

A

BLS is indicated when a patient is unresponsive and has absent or abnormal breathing.

46
Q

What should you do first if you determine a patient needs BLS?

A

Call for help before beginning CPR.

47
Q

What is the next step after calling for help in the BLS process?

A

Begin CPR immediately.

47
Q

When should you use a defibrillator during BLS?

A

Use a defibrillator as soon as possible if it is available.

48
Q

What is the role of the primary survey in BLS?

A

The primary survey helps assess the patient’s condition but BLS does not rely on pulse assessment. It involves checking for danger, responsiveness, airway, breathing, and circulation.

49
Q

What should you do if the patient is unresponsive and not breathing normally?

A

Proceed with CPR.

50
Q

How should you assess the airway during BLS?

A

Ensure the airway is clear of obstructions. Use suction if available, or roll the patient onto their side if suction is not available.

51
Q

What is the recommended depth and rate for chest compressions in BLS?

A

Compress the chest to a depth of 5-6 cm at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.

52
Q

How should you position your hands for chest compressions on an adult?

A

Use two hands and place them in the center of the sternum.

53
Q

What should you avoid focusing on during CPR?

A

Do not focus on pulses, color, or heart sounds; the focus should be on effective compressions and defibrillation.

54
Q

When should ventilations be prioritized in BLS?

A

Ventilations should be prioritized by the second responder after defibrillation.

55
Q

What equipment is recommended for delivering ventilations in a hospital setting?

A

Use a bag-valve-mask (BVM) for ventilations.

56
Q

What should you do if the patient is in a shockable rhythm?

A

Perform defibrillation to reset the heart’s rhythm.

57
Q

What should you do if you are in the community and need to perform BLS?

A

You may use pocket masks or carry additional airway equipment.

58
Q

How does a modern defibrillator assist with the BLS process?

A

Modern defibrillators provide step-by-step instructions for use and are designed to be user-friendly.

59
Q

What is an important consideration when performing chest compressions?

A

Allow full chest recoil between compressions to enable the heart to refill with blood.

60
Q

What should you avoid when delivering ventilations with a bag-valve-mask?

A

Avoid over-ventilating; deliver just enough air to make the chest rise.

61
Q

Which of the following might be a personal concern regarding the care of a dying or deceased patient?

A) Ensuring the patient receives optimal medication
B) Managing personal emotions and attachment to the patient
C) Coordinating with other healthcare professionals
D) Documenting patient’s daily activities

A

B) Managing personal emotions and attachment to the patient

62
Q

What is an effective strategy to manage personal reactions to death and dying?

A) Ignoring your emotions
B) Seeking support from colleagues or counselors
C) Avoiding discussions about death
D) Increasing work hours to distract yourself

A

B) Seeking support from colleagues or counselors

63
Q

Which of the following is an indication for performing Basic Life Support (BLS)?

A) The patient is experiencing mild discomfort
B) The patient is unresponsive and has absent or abnormal breathing
C) The patient has a high fever
D) The patient is suffering from a minor injury

A

B) The patient is unresponsive and has absent or abnormal breathing

64
Q

What should you do first when performing Basic Life Support (BLS)?

A) Begin chest compressions
B) Call for help
C) Use a defibrillator
D) Check for breathing

A

B) Call for help

65
Q

How deep should chest compressions be during BLS for an adult?

A) 2-3 cm
B) 4-5 cm
C) 5-6 cm
D) 7-8 cm

A

C) 5-6 cm

66
Q

What is the recommended rate for chest compressions in BLS?

A) 60-80 compressions per minute
B) 80-100 compressions per minute
C) 100-120 compressions per minute
D) 120-140 compressions per minute

A

C) 100-120 compressions per minute

67
Q

During BLS, if you find that the patient has abnormal breathing, what should you do?

A) Continue to monitor the patient
B) Administer medication
C) Begin chest compressions
D) Use a defibrillator immediately

A

C) Begin chest compressions

68
Q

What is the primary focus during CPR in the BLS process?

A) Monitoring the patient’s heart rate
B) Effective chest compressions and defibrillation
C) Providing detailed patient history
D) Assessing the patient’s medication

A

B) Effective chest compressions and defibrillation

69
Q

How should you position your hands for chest compressions on an adult?

A) One hand on the upper abdomen
B) Two hands in the center of the sternum
C) One hand on the side of the chest
D) Two hands on the lower abdomen

A

B) Two hands in the center of the sternum

70
Q

When performing BLS, when should ventilations be prioritized?

A) Before calling for help
B) After starting chest compressions
C) After defibrillation
D) If you are the only responder

A

B) After starting chest compressions

71
Q

What should be done if the patient has an obstructed airway and suction is not available?

A) Perform abdominal thrusts
B) Roll the patient onto their side
C) Continue chest compressions
D) Wait for additional help

A

B) Roll the patient onto their side

72
Q

How is a modern defibrillator designed to assist during BLS?

A) It provides detailed patient history
B) It delivers medication instructions
C) It provides step-by-step instructions for use
D) It monitors patient’s pulse

A

C) It provides step-by-step instructions for use

73
Q

What should a nurse or midwife do if they are unsure about how to use a defibrillator?

A) Ignore the device and continue CPR
B) Wait for someone else to use it
C) Follow the step-by-step instructions provided by the defibrillator
D) Discontinue BLS until trained personnel arrive

A

C) Follow the step-by-step instructions provided by the defibrillator

74
Q

During BLS, what is the purpose of allowing full chest recoil between compressions?

A) To allow the heart to refill with blood
B) To reduce fatigue in the responder
C) To avoid causing rib fractures
D) To improve the rate of ventilations

A

A) To allow the heart to refill with blood

75
Q

What should you do if a patient is in a shockable rhythm during BLS?

A) Administer medications
B) Perform chest compressions only
C) Use a defibrillator to deliver an electric shock
D) Perform ventilations immediately

A

C) Use a defibrillator to deliver an electric shock