Death & Dying, Loss & Grief

When a valued person, object or situation is changed or inaccessible so that its value is diminished or removed.
Actual - regnized by everyone
Perceived - experienced by the person, but intangible to others
Anticipatory - loss & grief behaviors for a loss that has yet to occur

Intermal emotional reaction to loss

Abnormal or distorted. May be unresolved (trouble expressing feelings of loss or extened grieving.) or inhibited (grief feelings are suppressed and physical symptoms may manifest)

Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance

Illness in which death is expected within a limited space of time

Taking care of the whole person (body, mind, spirit, heart and soul). Giving patients the best quality of life possible

Care provided to people with limited life expectancy (home or inpatient). Hospice focuses on the needs of the dying, palliative care is appropriate in all diseases and illnesses.

Instructions written in advance describing what healthcare the patient would want if they are unable to express themselves. Include living will and durable power of attorney for healthcare

Provides specific instructions about the kinds of healthcare that should be provided in specific situations

Appoints an individual to make decisions in the event of subsequent incapacity

Do not resuscitate - don't intervene if heart stops beating or breathing ceases. Give full care until that point!

Means good dying - includes active and passive ehtuanasia

Doing something that causes the patient's death. Includes assisted suicide (providing the patient with something that will cause their death) or the clinician administers a lethal medication, causing death.

Withdrawing medical treatment with the intention of causing the death.

Participating in active euthanasia (including assisted suicide) is in violation of the code for nurses.