Questions and Answers
What are advance directives?
Written instructions expressing an individual's healthcare wishes in the event that he or she becomes incapacitated.
What are appointed decision makers?
What is a DNR order?
Directive of a physician to withhold cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the event a patient experiences cardiac or respiratory arrest.
What is a durable power of attorney?
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What does euthanasia mean?
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What is futility of treatment?
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What is guardianship?
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What is a health care proxy?
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What is a living will?
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What does Oregon's Death with Dignity Act allow?
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What is the Patient Self Determination Act?
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What is physician-assisted suicide?
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What is a surrogate decision maker?
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What is withdrawal of treatment?
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Describe the struggle in addressing end-of-life issues.
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What is the difference between active and passive euthanasia?
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What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary euthanasia?
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What are the differences between allowing a patient to die and physician-assisted suicide?
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What is the inherent risk of physicians participating in physician-assisted suicide?
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What constitutional rights provide patients with self-determination?
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Describe Oregon's Death with Dignity Act.
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What was the purpose of the Patient Self Determination Act of 1990?
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Study Notes
Advance Directives and Decision Makers
- Advance directives are written instructions detailing healthcare wishes if an individual becomes incapacitated.
- Appointed decision makers, also known as surrogate decision makers, are designated individuals who make healthcare choices for those unable to do so.
End-of-Life Decisions
- A DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order instructs withholding cardiopulmonary resuscitation in case of cardiac or respiratory arrest.
- Durable power of attorney for healthcare designates an agent to make healthcare decisions on behalf of another individual.
Euthanasia Concepts
- Euthanasia is referred to as "the good death," involving actions taken to end the suffering of a terminally ill individual.
- Active euthanasia involves deliberately performing an act to cause death; passive euthanasia entails withdrawing or withholding life-sustaining treatment.
- Oregon's Death with Dignity Act permits physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill residents, allowing access to lethal medication but prohibiting euthanasia.
Legal and Ethical Frameworks
- The Patient Self Determination Act empowers patients to create advance directives and make informed health decisions, including refusing treatment.
- Physician-assisted suicide involves a physician facilitating a patient’s voluntary decision to end their own life.
- Guardianship is a court-appointed role responsible for making decisions for individuals who cannot make their own.
Treatment and Care Decisions
- Futility of treatment is determined when medical intervention is deemed ineffective and the physician must inform the patient of low chances of success.
- A living will expresses an individual's treatment wishes regarding life-sustaining procedures when they cannot communicate them.
Euthanasia Variations
- Voluntary euthanasia occurs with patient consent, while involuntary euthanasia happens against the patient's wishes.
- Allowing a patient to die (passive euthanasia) differs from physician-assisted suicide (active involvement of a physician).
Ethical Considerations
- Concerns arise about the impact of physician-assisted suicide on society's trust in doctors as healers.
- The constitutional basis for self-determination rights in healthcare includes the right to make decisions about one's treatment and end-of-life choices.
Summary of Legislation
- The Patient Self Determination Act of 1990 established rights for patients to create advance directives and participate actively in their health care decisions.
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Description
Test your knowledge on key terms from Ethics Chapter 3 with these flashcards. Learn important concepts such as advance directives and DNR orders, which are crucial in healthcare decision-making. Perfect for students studying ethics in a medical context.
