1
Q
What is a living will?
A
Provides guidance re. death delaying procedures when patient has terminal illness and is incapable of stating their wishes
2
Q
What is a durable power of attorney?
A
Appoints agent to make health decision when patient incapable of doing so
3
Q
What is a POLST?
A
“physician orders for life sustaining treatment”
- Form intended for seriously ill
- Signed medical order reflecting person’s wishes traveling across settings of care that must be followed by all providers
- Voluntarily signed by ptn, and can be changed
4
Q
What is a DNR?
A
“Do not resuscitate”
- Doesn’t address aspects of care other than preventing use of CPR: No intubation/ventilation/chest compressions/ defibrillation
5
Q
What occurs during code blue / cardiac arrest if no DNR?
A
- CPR and intubation in attempt circulatory and ventilatory function
6
Q
When to notify medical examiner?
A
- Suicide, accident, trauma, violence
- Deaths within 24 hours of admit
- Attending has no reason for death
- Deaths during diagnostic/therapeutic procedures
- Deaths relating to anesthesia
- Dead on ED arrival
- Drug or alcohol death
- Person had not seen doc in last 30 days
- Suspicious circumstances
- Criminal abortion
- Disease that is public health threat
- Death from employment
- Unexpected death
- Person in custody
7
Q
Medical examiner or family notified of death first?
A
Examiner if reason for death indicates they need to be notified
