Deck 17: Death, Dying, and Grieving

Question 1

Which of the following were considered to be clear signs of death 25 years ago?

A) A flat electroencephalogram (EEG) reading for a specified period of time
B) The end of certain biological functions
C) The end of electrical activity in the brain
D) The lack of response to sensory stimuli

Answer 1

The end of certain biological functions

Question 2

Which of the following organizations created a legal document that reflects the patient's advance care planning?

A) Death Wish Commune
B) Choice in Dying
C) Euthanasia Undertaking
D) Death Drive Pact

Answer 2

Choice in Dying

Question 3

A recent study of end-of-life planning revealed that _____ of patients 18 years of age and older had a living will.

A) over two-thirds
B) 15%
C) just one-third
D) 40%

Answer 3

15%

Question 4

The _____ portions of the brain often die sooner than the _____ portions.

A) lower; higher
B) lower; middle
C) higher; lower
D) middle; lower

Question 5

Although Emmajean is only 43 years old, she wants to get her advanced directive/living will signed now. She knows it must be signed when _____, and she doesn't want to risk not being able to get it in place.

A) at least two medical professionals are present
B) a doctor and a lawyer are present
C) an individual is told he or she has a life-threatening condition
D) an individual is able to think clearly

Question 6

Doris doesn't want her family to be forced to make difficult decisions at the end of her life. After consulting with several professionals, she has selected the _____ document as the best way to make her choices clear.

A) Preferences for End of Life
B) Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST)
C) Passing On of Treatment Wishes
D) Advanced Initiatives and Direction

Question 7

A flat electroencephalogram (EEG) recording for a specified period of time is one criterion of:

A) rigor mortis.
B) euthanasia.
C) brain death.
D) paralysis.

Question 8

Jacob is only 52 years old, but has decided to create a living will that he will share with his family and health-care professionals. He is encouraging his friends to do the same, citing a recent study found that advance care planning was associated with all of the following EXCEPT:

A) decreased quality of care at the end of life.
B) decrease in life-sustaining treatment.
C) increase in hospice use.
D) decrease in hospital use.

Question 9

Annie is proud of herself for already having a living will on record. When she gave to it her physician's assistant, she said, "Research says that you are one of _____of patients 18 years of age and older with a living will."

A) 67%
B) 15%
C) 33%
D) 40%

Question 10

A recent study found that advance care planning was associated with all of the following EXCEPT:

A) Increase in the number of medical procedures performed
B) Decrease in life-sustaining treatment
C) Increase in hospice use
D) Decrease in hospital use

Question 11

The Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) is a more sophisticated and specific form of:

A) a durable power of attorney.
B) an advance directive.
C) a death certificate.
D) euthanasia.

Question 12

A(n) _____ states such preferences as whether life-sustaining procedures should or should not be used to prolong the life of an individual when death is imminent.

A) advance directive
B) choice in dying
C) oral will
D) representation agreement

Question 13

An advanced directive/living will must be signed when:

A) at least two medical professionals are present.
B) a doctor and a lawyer are present.
C) an individual is told he or she has a life-threatening condition.
D) an individual is able to think clearly.

Question 14

Which of the following statements about a living will is FALSE?

A) It is a legally binding document.
B) Only the terminally ill can write one.
C) The individual must be in a clear state of mind when writing it.
D) The document contains the individual's wishes regarding medical treatment.

Question 15

A recent study found that advance care planning was associated with all of the following EXCEPT:

A) Decreased quality of care at the end of life
B) Decrease in life-sustaining treatment
C) Increase in hospice use
D) Decrease in hospital use

Question 16

Glenn is doing his summer internship with _____. His work involves helping people create a legal document that reflects the individual's advance care plan.

A) Death Wish Commune
B) Choice in Dying
C) Euthanasia Undertaking
D) Death Drive Pact

Question 17

Brain death occurs when:

A) all electrical activity of the brain has ceased for a specified period of time.
B) a person remains unconscious for a specified period of time.
C) the lower regions of the brain stop functioning.
D) the body loses the ability to breathe on its own.

Question 18

In general, research suggests that physicians have a(n) ______ attitude toward advance directives.

A) positive
B) negative
C) neutral
D) impartial

Question 19

_____ refers to a legal document that reflects the patient's advance care planning.

A) Last request
B) Dying will
C) Living will
D) Easy death order

Question 20

If the cortical death definition were adopted, then physicians could claim a person is dead when his or her _____ is no longer functioning.

A) lower brain
B) middle brain
C) higher brain
D) entire brain

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT part of palliative care?

A) Trying to cure the patient of an illness
B) Helping families cope with death
C) Making the patient comfortable
D) Showing interest in the person and family

Question 22

Hospices are a relatively recent approach developed to:

A) cure illness and prolong life at all costs.
B) make the end of life as free from pain and anxiety as possible.
C) provide a place where people with no living relatives can die.
D) lower the cost of medical care by competing with hospitals.

Question 23

Which age group is MOST likely to die through assisted suicide?

A) Ages 25 to 40
B) Ages 40 to 55
C) Ages 60 to 75
D) Ages 80 to 95

Question 24

What do studies say of the American attitude toward euthanasia after the Terri Schiavo incident?

A) Family members are more accepting of passive euthanasia.
B) The general population favors active euthanasia.
C) Family members want an escalation of treatment.
D) The general population favors a mandatory euthanasia for the terminally ill.

Question 25

A recent study found that _____ of mid- to large-size hospitals have a palliative care team.

A) 45%
B) 55%
C) 75%
D) 85%

Question 26

In which of the following states is active euthanasia NOT considered a crime?

A) Nevada
B) Texas
C) Washington
D) New York

Question 27

Basilio sustained severe and irreversible brain damage due to an accidental overdose of insulin. His wife and his children decided to remove the life-support system, and Basilio subsequently died. This is an example of:

A) active euthanasia.
B) passive euthanasia.
C) natural euthanasia.
D) culturally acceptable euthanasia.

Question 28

The type of care that is designed to reduce pain and suffering and help individuals die with dignity is known as:

A) curative care.
B) palliative care.
C) terminal care.
D) compassionate care.

Question 29

Sometimes euthanasia is called:

A) "honor killing."
B) "mercy killing."
C) "quick death."
D) "violent death."

Question 30

Terry is in the final stages of lupus, a condition that causes her severe pain and discomfort. At Terry's insistence, her caregiver takes the decision to end her pain by administering a lethal dose of a drug. This is an example of _____ euthanasia.

A) passive
B) universally legal
C) natural
D) active

Question 31

Which of the following is an example of active euthanasia?

A) Injecting a lethal dose of a drug
B) Turning off a respirator
C) Removing a heart-lung machine
D) Stopping antibiotics

Question 32

_____ is a program committed to making the end of life as free from pain, anxiety, and depression as possible.

A) Asylum
B) Hospital stay
C) Hospice
D) Compassionate care

Question 33

Angelique is in the terminal stages of cancer. She feels that the pain has now become unbearable, so she requests her doctor to end her life painlessly through medication. Which of the following acts is Angelique requesting her doctor to perform?

A) Aphasia
B) Anesthesia
C) Euthanasia
D) Dysthanasia

Question 34

A "good death" involves all of the following EXCEPT:

A) acceptance.
B) support from loved ones.
C) not feeling like a burden to others.
D) appropriate medical care.

Question 35

Turning off a respirator or a heart-lung machine is an example of _____ euthanasia.

A) active
B) deliberate
C) passive
D) sustained

Question 36

Which of the following statements about hospice care is TRUE?

A) Hospice care emphasizes the need to limit the administration of painkillers to terminally ill patients.
B) Hospice care mainly emphasizes efforts to cure an illness.
C) Hospice care focuses on efforts to prolong life.
D) Hospice care emphasizes palliative care.

Question 37

Which of the following statements is FALSE regarding the death scenario in the United States today?

A) More than 80% of all deaths occur in institutions or hospitals.
B) The care of a dying older person has shifted away from the family.
C) Today, death occurs most often among adolescents.
D) Nowadays, more older adults die apart from their families.

Question 38

In the United States today, more than 80% of all deaths occur:

A) due to motor vehicle accidents.
B) due to infectious diseases.
C) at home.
D) in institutions or hospitals.

Question 39

Delores has cancer that has progressed to the point that she decided to "let nature take its course." She wants to die at home, as pain free as possible, and without machines attached to her. Her best option is:

A) an asylum stay.
B) a hospital stay.
C) hospice care.
D) a nursing home stay.

Question 40

Damon has been terminally ill with multiple fractures to his skull. He has been in a vegetative state for over three years. Finally, his family agrees to end his suffering by removing him from the life-support system. This is an example of:

A) passive euthanasia.
B) active euthanasia.
C) natural euthanasia.
D) acceptable euthanasia.

Question 41

Which of the following religions believes in reincarnation?

A) Orthodox Judaism
B) Methodism
C) Buddhism
D) Roman Catholicism

Question 42

Olympia has come to realize that she really has a disease that is slowly destroying her body. At 55 years old she believes she is too young to be dealing with this. She is angry and frustrated, and keeps mumbling, "Why me? Why now?" Olympia is in which of Kübler-Ross's stages of dying?

A) Denial
B) Anger
C) Bargaining
D) Acceptance

Question 43

Dylan's doctor told him the pain in his side was from a cancerous tumor. Dylan couldn't believe what he heard and decided he needed to get a second opinion in case he happens to have an incompetent doctor. Which of Kübler-Ross's stages of dying is Dylan currently in?

A) Acceptance
B) Bargaining
C) Denial and isolation
D) Depression

Question 44

A Canadian study found that the overwhelming majority of individuals facing death wanted to be:

A) at home.
B) in a hospice/palliative care facility.
C) in a hospital.
D) in a nursing home.

Question 45

Norman is facing imminent death. Consistent with a recent study of Canadians in a similar situation, if he can choose, he will likely want to die:

A) at home.
B) in a hospice/palliative care facility.
C) in a hospital.
D) in a nursing home.

Question 46

According to Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, which of the following is the first stage of dying?

A) Denial and isolation
B) Bargaining
C) Acceptance
D) Depression

Question 47

Which of the following is TRUE of the American attitude toward death?

A) Americans consider death of the biological body as the end of existence.
B) Americans do not believe in a spiritual body that lives on after death.
C) Belief in reincarnation is a defining aspect of the American belief about death.
D) Americans are generally death avoiders and death deniers.

Question 48

In 1900, most people died:

A) in a hospital, cared for by medical staff.
B) in a nursing home.
C) at home, cared for by their family.
D) at a hospice.

Question 49

According to Kübler-Ross, during the _____ stage of dying the realization of loss is great and those who symbolize life, energy, and competent functioning are especially salient targets of the dying person's resentment and jealousy.

A) bargaining
B) anger
C) depression
D) acceptance

Question 50

According to Kübler-Ross, in the _____ stage of dying, the dying person recognizes that denial can no longer be maintained.

A) anger
B) bargaining
C) acceptance
D) isolation

Question 51

According to Kübler-Ross, _____ is the stage of dying in which the person develops the hope that death can somehow be postponed or delayed.

A) bargaining
B) acceptance
C) depression
D) anger

Question 52

According to Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, which of the following is the second stage of dying?

A) Denial and isolation
B) Bargaining
C) Acceptance
D) Anger

Question 53

"No, it can't be me. It's not possible," thinks Clara, when she first hears the news of her terminal illness. Which of Kübler-Ross's stages of dying is Clara currently in?

A) Acceptance
B) Bargaining
C) Denial and isolation
D) Depression

Question 54

Emilio is facing imminent death. Consistent with a recent study of Canadians in a similar situation, given a choice, the LEAST desirable place he would choose to die is:

A) at home.
B) in a hospice/palliative care facility.
C) in a hospital.
D) in a nursing home.

Question 55

Myette has just been told that she has breast cancer and that her tests show that the cancer has spread to her liver. Myette says, "I feel great. The lab obviously has my test results mixed up with someone else." According to Kübler-Ross, Myette is in the _____ stage of dying.

A) anger
B) denial and isolation
C) bargaining
D) depression

Question 56

It is starting to sink in for Tricia that she has terminal cancer. She believes she has been a good person, and is angry at God for not healing her. "This makes no sense!" she keeps saying. "Why me?" Tricia is in which of Kübler-Ross's stages of dying?

A) Denial
B) Anger
C) Bargaining
D) Acceptance

Question 57

Which of the following statements about the care of a dying older person in the United States today is TRUE?

A) The care of a dying older person has shifted to the family members.
B) The care of a dying older person has shifted away from the family.
C) The exposure to death and its painful surroundings has increased.
D) Most dying people are cared for by distant relatives.

Question 58

In the _____ stage of dying, the dying person's question is, "Why me?"

A) acceptance
B) denial
C) bargaining
D) anger

Question 59

Which of the following is Kübler-Ross's third stage of dying?

A) Denial and isolation
B) Acceptance
C) Bargaining
D) Anger

Question 60

Sarah came home from a doctor's appointment and told her husband that the doctor said she had cancer. "I don't think he's right," she added. "I feel fine and I don't feel any tumors. I think I'm just going to wait a while to do anything about it." Which of Kübler-Ross's stages of dying is Sarah currently in?

A) Acceptance
B) Bargaining
C) Denial and isolation
D) Depression

Question 61

Edna realizes she is starting to lose her battle with cancer. In desperation, she wants to let any Higher Power know that if she could just live nine more months to see her fortieth wedding anniversary, then she would be okay. Edna is in which of Kübler-Ross's stages of dying?

A) Denial
B) Anger
C) Bargaining
D) Acceptance

Question 62

Maxine is visiting her father, Doug, who is in his last days of life. It is clear that he has found a way of approaching his circumstance that gives him a sense of peace. Doug is experiencing Kübler-Ross's stage of:

A) anger.
B) acceptance.
C) bargaining.
D) depression.

Question 63

Shelly is aware that she is in her last days. She has a sense of peace and has come to terms with what is about to happen. She is experiencing Kübler-Ross's stage of:

A) anger.
B) acceptance.
C) bargaining.
D) depression.

Question 64

Which of the following statements is an accurate criticism of Kübler-Ross's theory of dying?

A) She underestimated the amount of time people stay in the anger stage.
B) She did not consider that men and women go through each stage differently.
C) She did not demonstrate the existence of the five-stage sequence.
D) She ignored that most people do not realize they are dying.

Question 65

For a terminally ill person, which of the following can be the most useful benefit of denying one's imminent death?

A) Denial allows the person to fully address the issue of death.
B) Denial helps shield family members from negative feelings.
C) Denial encourages the person to further develop his or her understanding of what will happen after death.
D) Denial can help to insulate the dying person from coping with intense feelings of anger.

Question 66

Kevin realizes he is starting to lose his battle with cancer. In desperation, he keeps saying, "If I could just have a week without pain I would be okay." Kevin is in which of Kübler-Ross's stages of dying?

A) Denial
B) Anger
C) Bargaining
D) Acceptance

Question 67

Josue has incurable cancer. However, he promises to lead a reformed life dedicated to God if God will spare his life. Josue is in which of Kübler-Ross's stages of dying?

A) Denial
B) Hope
C) Bargaining
D) Acceptance

Question 68

Jacinta realizes she is starting to lose her battle with lung cancer. She keeps praying, "I just want to live long enough to see my first grandchild, and then you can take me." Jacinta is in which of Kübler-Ross's stages of dying?

A) Denial
B) Anger
C) Bargaining
D) Acceptance

Question 69

Terry, a terminally ill cancer patient, has finally accepted the certainty of her death. She is now refusing to have any visitors to her hospital room, and spends most of her time crying and grieving. Which of the following stages of dying is Terry most likely in?

A) Anger
B) Acceptance
C) Bargaining
D) Depression

Question 70

Which of the following is Kübler-Ross's fifth stage of dying?

A) Depression
B) Acceptance
C) Bargaining
D) Anger

Question 71

Ada knows that she has liver cancer and will not live much longer. In her prayers, she asks God to let her live one more year, and she will promise to set everything right with her family and loved ones. Which of Kübler-Ross's stages of dying is Ada currently in?

A) Bargaining
B) Denial
C) Anger
D) Acceptance

Question 72

According to Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, when a dying person finally accepts the fact of impending death and becomes depressed about it, which of the following would be most appropriate?

A) Remind the person of all his or her positive life achievements.
B) Tell humorous stories to cheer the person up.
C) Allow the person to experience and work through the depression.
D) Increase the person's medication dose so that he or she will have fewer negative thoughts or feelings.

Question 73

Jim, a terminally ill cancer patient, has finally accepted the certainty of his death. He cries often, talking about future events he will miss. He also talks about the experiences he will never have again. Which of the following stages of dying is Jim most likely in?

A) Anger
B) Acceptance
C) Bargaining
D) Depression

Question 74

Kara is aware that she is in her last days. She prefers to be alone, and when asked, she says she hardly feels any pain or emotions. She is experiencing Kübler-Ross's stage of:

A) anger.
B) acceptance.
C) bargaining.
D) depression.

Question 75

Kübler-Ross describes the _____ stage as the end of the dying struggle.

A) anger
B) acceptance
C) bargaining
D) depression

Question 76

Which of the following is an advantage of a dying individual knowing that he or she is dying?

A) The person can seek more aggressive medical interventions.
B) The person can move through the stages of dying more quickly.
C) The person can construct more effective means of denying death.
D) The person has time to reflect on his or her life and make decisions about dying.

Question 77

After accepting the certainty of death, a period of _____ or preparatory grief may appear.

A) anger
B) acceptance
C) bargaining
D) depression

Question 78

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross believed that when a person is dying of a terminal illness, depression is:

A) a temporary phase that friends and family should help the person through as quickly as possible.
B) the first phase a person goes through when he or she learns that death is imminent.
C) part of the normal process of detaching the self from love objects.
D) an uncommon reaction that signals that the person needs professional counseling to cope with death.

Question 79

_____ can be used to avoid the destructive impact of shock by delaying the necessity of dealing with one's death.

A) Acceptance
B) Denial
C) Anger
D) Depression

Question 80

Which of the following is Kübler-Ross's fourth stage of dying?

A) Depression
B) Acceptance
C) Bargaining
D) Anger