Euthanasia

Question 1

What is a paradigm

Answer 1

Distinct set of concepts or thoughts

Question 2

what is the end-of-life paradigm

Answer 2

Comfort
Support
Understanding

Question 3

What is the focus of care during end of life treatment

Answer 3

Centered on patient-client bond

Question 4

What are technician roles in end-of-life care

Answer 4

Client education
Generous listening
Empathy
Education about the procedure
Medical care

Question 5

What topics are included in client education about euthanasia

Answer 5

QOL
Owner present?
Natural death discussion
Goals of care (pain, hygiene, comfort)

Question 6

What topics are included in the technician role regarding medical care

Answer 6

Peparing for death (bedding/blankets)
Client present? Do they want to hold pet?
Location of procedure
Catheter placement
Aftercare
Advocacy for patient and client

Question 7

What is included in quality of life

Answer 7

Assesments using score sheets
Is the patient suffering?

Question 8

What can you offer someone seeking a convenience euthanasia

Answer 8

DONT JUDGE
Options - rehoming, possible rescues

Question 9

What is important to remember regarding euthanasia and the 6 freedoms

Answer 9

6th freedom = freedom to die a good death

Question 10

what does euthanasia mean

Answer 10

Good death

Question 11

What are the two most common methods of euthanasia

Answer 11

One step- pentobarbital
Two step - combination of pre-sedation and anethsia

Question 12

what are the advantages and disadvantages of two step euthanasia protocol

Answer 12

Advantages: greater control & decrease involuntary effects( vagal breathing)
Disadvantage: may slow action of euthanasia

Question 13

What is important to remember regarding large animal euthanasia specifically

Answer 13

Safety is primary concern
Location important to ensure proper positioning to recumbency

Question 14

How do you verify death after a euthanasia

Answer 14

Cardiac auscultation
Pupillary response - no constriction
Corneal reflex - shouldn’t blink with pressure

Question 15

What is dysthanasia

Answer 15

Suffering while dying
Opposite of euthanasia

Question 16

What can cause dysthanasia

Answer 16

equipment failure
Adverse reaction to drugs

Question 17

What are the next steps after a dysthanasia

Answer 17

Three C’s
Compassion
Control of animal and situation
Confidence in your personal abilities and equipment

Question 18

What are some reasons a client may choose a natural death

Answer 18

Ethics
Philosophical
Religious/spiritual

Question 19

What can be some consequences during a natural death

Answer 19

Hospice support
Labor intensive
Emotional for client

Question 20

What commonly happens 1-3 months prior to an active death

Answer 20

Behavioural changes
Appetite decreases
Dehydration

Question 21

What commonly happens 1-2 weeks prior to death in active dying

Answer 21

Disorientation/confusion
Extremely decreased appetite

Question 22

What commonly happens a couple days/hours prior to active dying

Answer 22

End of life rally
Irregular respirations
Cool extremities
Slow/irregular heart beat

Question 23

What happens minutes prior to active death

Answer 23

Agonal breathing
Limbs extend
Neck arches

Question 24

How does death occur during active dying (like, what actually kills them)

Answer 24

Respiratory arrest
Cardiac arrest
Brain death

Question 25

What are the most common advanced directives after euthanasia

Answer 25

Burial - legal concerns? Cremation Aquamation

Question 26

What is important to remember about grief

Answer 26

very individualized There is no time line, just learning to live with it

Question 27

5 stages of grief

Answer 27

Denial Anger Bargaining Depression Acceptance

Question 28

What are some common dual emotional responses after death

Answer 28

Anger/resentment Guilt Sadness/loneliness Relief/recovery

Question 29

What are some occupational hazards when dealing with death

Answer 29

Compassion fatigue Burnout

Question 30

How can you prevent mental and emotional fatigue while working in this field

Answer 30

Communicating with coworkers Don't sacrifice well being!!! Taking a break