Research Paper on "End-Of-Life Issues in Gerontology"

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When determining whether death has occurred or not it is important that medical personnel exclude the possibility of recovering any brain functions. There are some reversible conditions that may mimic death by neurologic criteria. These include: Hypothermia, Intoxication, Sedative and hypnotic drugs, neuromuscular blockade, severe electrolyte abnormalities, severe acid-base abnormalities and Shock (Sample Guidelines for the Determination of Death: Including Death by Neurologic Criteria, n.d.).

5. What is dying and when does it begin?

The onset of ill health is frequently accompanied by a change in social status, especially if connected to a terminal illness. Lowered expectations or even outright aversion frequently occurs. This is what is frequently known as dying. In the most universal formulations, dying starts when a fatal illness is documented by a doctor; the patient is told of the fatal condition; the patient understands and acknowledges the facts; everybody in the situation comprehends and accepts the facts; and nothing more can be done to turn around the condition and maintain life (Process of Dying, 2011).

6. Trajectories of dying: from beginning to end

People who are dying do not move toward death at the same pace or in the same manner. Dissimilar causes of death are connected with dissimilar patterns of dying. These patterns, known as dying trajectories, point toward the course of a person's experience of dying. Trajectories affect the kinds of emotional reactions and coping mechanisms exhibited by patients and their families, as well as the interventions that will be utilized (The Dying Trajectory, 2011).

7. Theoretical models of the… READ MORE