Module W – End-of-life Care and Death Definition List

Acceptance

the final stage of grief (in response to near death) when person has worked through feelings and understands that death is imminent

Advance Directive

a living will written while resident is mentally competent or by resident’s legal representative which outlines choices about withdrawing or withholding life sustaining procedures, if terminally ill

Anger

the second stage of grief (in response to near death) when person expresses rage and resentment. Often upset by smallest things. Lashes out at anyone

Apnea

respiration stops

Bargaining

the third stage of grief (in response to near death) when person tries to arrange for more time to live to take care of unfinished business. Bargains with the doctors or God

Cheyne Stokes Breathing

when resident takes several shallow breaths followed by periods of no breathing for 5, 30, or even 60 seconds. Does not cause the resident discomfort

Death

the end of life and cessation of bodily functions

Denial

the first stage of grief (in response to near death) when a person is told of impending death. Person may refuse to accept diagnosis or discuss situation

Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)

an order written by a doctor at the request of a resident, which tells the health care team that the resident does not wish any extraordinary measures to be used when resident suffers cardiac or respiratory arrest

Depression

the fourth stage of grief (in response to near death) when person begins the process of mourning. Cries, withdraws from others

Dying

the near end of life and near cessation of bodily functions

End of life care

support and care provided during the time surrounding death

Extraordinary Measures

interventions used to restore heart beat or respiratory effort (cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR)

Five Stages of Grief

stages of grief in response to near death, based on personal, cultural, and religious beliefs and experiences, according to Elizabeth Kubler Ross

Hospice Care

health care agency or program for people who are dying (usually less than six months to live) that provides comfort measures and pain management, preserves dignity, respect, and choice, and offers empathy and support for the resident and the family

Mottling

changes in skin color (pale and bluish) of the hands, arms, feet, and legs when death is near

Obituary

a description (typically placed in a local newspaper) of a resident’s life, including listing of relatives, birth information, accomplishments/activities, and death, written upon the death of the resident

Postmortem Care

care of the body after death

Terminal Illness

incurable illness that leads to deat