Biological Development, Part 6
Question 1: Define brain death.
Answer 1: When the electrical activity of the brain ceases, brain death is said to occur. Some specialists assert that brain death may only include the cessation of the electrical activity in the higher parts of the brain, even when the lower brainstem continues to function. So long as the lower brainstem has some electrical activity, a person can still maintain respiration and circulation. However, without electrical activity in the cortex and thalamus, the person will have no real consciousness. Among most doctors, brain death is only said to have occurred when function ceases in both the higher and lower parts of the brain.
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Question 2: Discuss a living will.
Answer 2: Living wills are created so that people can make their health care wishes known even if they are incapacitated. A living will is composed while the person is still cognizant and competent. It elaborates all of the medications and procedures that the person would like to have administered in the event he falls into a coma or becomes unresponsive. Also, living wills typically have provisions for care if the person develops a terminal or extremely painful illness. The Choice in Dying organization is credited with initiating the living will practice, which in some places is called an advance directive.
Question 3: Discuss hospice programs.
Answer 3: Hospice programs do not try to cure patients, but instead focus on palliative care, which is the reduction of anxiety, depression, and pain. The goal of a hospice program is to allow the patient to die without relinquishing his dignity. For the most part, hospice programs are restricted to care for terminally ill and elderly patients. Hospitals often have affiliated hospice programs. Many hospice services work in the patient’s home. Employees of a hospice program may be licensed to distribute pain medication and counseling about nutrition and psychology. Hospice programs often have a religious bent, though many do not. Almost all hospice programs intend to include the family of the dying individual in the decision-making process as much as possible.
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