Death and Dying Flashcards
(99 cards)
What is hospice care?
Comfort care for people with terminal illnesses and their families
Describe the purpose of Advance Care Planning (ACP) in end-of-life care.
Planning future medical care so your wishes are known
Explain the significance of a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order.
A request to not perform CPR if the heart stop
Define what an Advance Directive is and its importance.
A legal paper stating your healthcare wishes if you can’t speak for yourself.
How does a personal directive differ from an advance directive in Alberta?
Same as Advance Directive. Names someone to make decisions for you
Do you need a lawyer to witness an Advance Directive?
“No lawyer needed. Just signed, dated, and witnessed
What are some considerations clients and families face during terminal illness?
Decisions about CPR, ICU, and treatment options.
Explain the role of the healthcare team in Advance Care Planning.
Help patients and families understand options and make informed choices
Describe the purpose of a Power of Attorney (POA).
“Someone to make legal/financial decisions if you can’t
Explain the eligibility criteria for organ and tissue donation in Canada.
16+, competent, and usually on life support for organ donation
Define Advance Care Planning (ACP) in the context of medical assistance in dying.
ACP includes the option to request medical assistance in dying (MAID)
How does the enduring power of attorney document function in legal terms?
Legal document for someone to manage finances if you become unable
What are the requirements for completing an enduring power of attorney document?
Written, dated, signed by you and a witness, states when it starts
Explain the significance of Bill 205 regarding organ donation in Canada.
Requires documenting organ donation wishes in medical records
Describe the primary diagnosis of individuals who received Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) in Canada.
Most common: Cancer
Describe the five phases of MAID.
Thinking, learning, requesting, action, support
Explain the focus of nursing management in end-of-life care.
Focus on comfort, dignity, and managing symptoms, not curing.
How should anxiety and grief be managed in end-of-life care?
“Use medicine and support to help with feelings
Define the role of the nurse in addressing fear during end-of-life care.
Help patients cope with fears, manage pain, and provide comfort
Do patients have a say in their end-of-life care decisions?
Yes, patients should help make decisions
Explain the importance of managing anger in end-of-life care.
Nurses must understand anger to provide good care.
What are common emotional challenges faced by patients in the end-of-life period?
Sadness, fear, feeling helpless
Describe the key aspects of post-mortem care.
Clean and prepare the body, give family privacy
Explain the difference between pronouncement of death and certification of death.
Pronouncing: saying death occurred. Certifying: legal cause of death.