Medical Terminology: Death and Dying

Euthanasia and Death Definitions

• Euthanasia: Deliberate act to cause death in individuals suffering from incurable diseases.
• Apparent Death: A state characterized by the complete absence of vital signs.
• Legal Death: Confirmed cessation of vital signs and brain activity, as recognized by a qualified physician.
• Biologic Death: Occurs when permanent cell death is established.

Post-Mortem Changes

• Algor Mortis: A gradual decrease in body temperature following death.
• Livor Mortis: The pooling of blood in dependent areas of the body after death, leading to discoloration.
• Decomposition: The natural process where the body breaks down into simpler organic substances post-mortem.

Physical Signs of Death

• Death Rattle: Distinct sounds produced when air passes through mucus in the throat during the dying process.
• Pallor Mortis: The paleness of the skin observed immediately following death.

Psychological and End-of-Life Care

• Bereavement: The emotional response involving depression and anxiety that follows the loss of a loved one.
• Hospice: A specialized care approach focused on family-centered support for individuals with terminal illnesses.

Medical Terminology Related to Death

• Mortality: A statistical measure representing the death rate or the likelihood of dying.
• Resuscitation: Medical procedures aimed at restoring vital functions in a person experiencing cardiac arrest.
• DNR (Do Not Resuscitate): An abbreviation indicating that no attempts should be made to revive the patient.
• No Code: A formal instruction for medical staff that prohibits resuscitation efforts.

End-of-Life Planning and Directives

• Advanced Directives: Legal documents that outline a person’s preferences regarding medical treatment in advance.
• Living Will: A specific type of advanced directive expressing a patient’s wishes about withholding life-sustaining measures.

Stages of Dying

• Stages of Dying: Key emotional phases experienced during the dying process, including anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

Neurological and Consciousness States

• Brain Death: A state of irreversible unconsciousness characterized by the complete cessation of brain activity.
• Vegetative Stage: A condition in which a patient remains unresponsive despite being awake.

Post-Mortem Practices

• Post Mortem: Refers to occurrences or activities taking place after death.
• Embalming: The process of preserving a corpse to delay decomposition and maintain physical appearance for funeral purposes.