Deck 17: Death, Dying, and Grieving

Question 1

Most physicians define death as the cessation of function in the _____ portion of the brain.

A) lower
B) middle
C) higher
D) higher and lower

Answer 1

higher

Question 2

Two hundred years ago, approximately what percentage of children died before the age of 10?

A) almost 50 percent
B) almost 60 percent
C) 30 percent
D) 20 percent

Answer 2

almost 50 percent

Question 3

Bob is dying of cancer. He will MOST likely die

A) at home.
B) in a hospice.
C) in a hospital or institution.
D) under the care of a family member.

Answer 3

in a hospital or institution.

Question 4

What do members of the Gond culture of India believe causes death?

A) magic and demons
B) natural forces
C) a supreme being
D) selective fate

Question 5

Which portions of the brain often die first?

A) lower
B) middle
C) higher
D) All portions die at the same time.

Question 6

What is the life expectancy in the United States today?

A) 69 years
B) 73 years
C) 79 years
D) 84 years

Question 7

Compared to many other cultures, people in the United States

A) are death avoiders and death deniers.
B) have deeper religious beliefs associated with death.
C) have a greater exposure to rituals associated with death.
D) experience a greater sense of loss when a family member dies.

Question 8

If all electrical activity of the brain has ceased for a specified period of time, an individual is

A) brain dead.
B) biologically dead.
C) psychologically dead.
D) dead.

Question 9

Gary was in a serious automobile accident. The physician informs the family that Gary is brain dead. What criteria for death did the physician most likely use?

A) Electrical activity in the lower portions of Gary's brain has ceased.
B) Electrical activity in the higher portions of Gary's brain has ceased.
C) Electrical activity in the higher and lower portions of Gary's brain has ceased.
D) Gary's blood pressure is extremely low and his breathing has stopped.

Question 10

People, places or contexts, times, objects, and symbols are all components of a culture's death ________

A) stages.
B) system.
C) prevention strategy.
D) definition.

Question 11

Which of the following is an unintended consequence of the medical community's emphasis on prolonging life?

A) Children learn to fear growing older and dying.
B) Older adults have unrealistic expectations about what the quality of their life will be.
C) Chronically ill patients have time to plan a funeral.
D) It allows people to deny or avoid the certainty of death.

Question 12

Which of the following religions believes in reincarnation?

A) Evangelical Christian
B) Catholic
C) Mormon
D) Hindu

Question 13

Velma lives in the United States and is nearing the end of her life. Where is she MOST likely to die?

A) at home
B) in a hospice facility
C) in a hospital
D) in the home of one of her children

Question 14

Twenty-five years ago, definitions of death centered on

A) neurological signs.
B) breathing and blood pressure.
C) electrical activity in the brain.
D) behavioral responses.

Question 15

U.S. culture uses euphemistic terms for death. This is an indication of

A) reverence.
B) denial.
C) naïveté.
D) anger.

Question 16

Using all the life-prolonging methods possible, even in the face of certain death, is a sign of

A) denial of death.
B) medical advancement.
C) an intolerance of euthanasia.
D) naïveté.

Question 17

Differences between the Gond culture of India and the Tanala culture of Madagascar highlight the fact that

A) the reaction to death is influenced by the perception of its causes.
B) the perception of death is influenced by lifestyle.
C) the reaction to death is influenced by age.
D) the perception of death is influenced by its relationship to the victim.

Question 18

What was the life expectancy in the United States in 1900?

A) 39 years
B) 47 years
C) 54 years
D) 61 years

Question 19

Memorial Day in the United States and the Day of the Dead in Mexico are part of which death system component?

A) places
B) times
C) objects
D) symbols

Question 20

Supporters of the cortical death policy argue that when higher cortical functioning is lost, what aspects of life are gone?

A) electrical brain activity
B) feeling in lower extremities
C) respiration and heartbeat
D) intelligence and personality

Question 21

Dr. Jack Kevorkian is well known for his support of and participation in

A) the cortical death policy.
B) California's Natural Death Act.
C) passive euthanasia.
D) active euthanasia.

Question 22

Beth has late-stage terminal cancer. She understands which procedures she is willing to endure and which ones she does not want to undergo. How can Beth best communicate her desires to her physician and family?

A) Beth should wait until she is nearly incapacitated to make any treatment decisions.
B) Beth should tell her doctor on her next visit what she has decided.
C) Beth should prepare a living will or advanced directive and share it with her family and doctor.
D) Beth can assume that her husband's judgment will mirror hers and turn the decision making over to him.

Question 23

Six-year-old Britton probably sees death as

A) universal.
B) humorous.
C) inevitable.
D) reversible.

Question 24

What is the goal of palliative care?

A) cure illness
B) restore cortical functioning
C) reduce pain and suffering and help individuals die with dignity
D) prolong life

Question 25

Euthanasia that occurs by withholding available treatment is termed

A) passive.
B) active.
C) overt.
D) covert.

Question 26

Hospice is a program designed to

A) cure illness and prolong life.
B) make the end of life as free from pain and anxiety as possible.
C) provide a place where people with no living relatives can die.
D) lower the cost of medical care by competing with hospitals.

Question 27

Shane knows he will die soon. He is ready to go but wants to die with dignity and little suffering. Which of the following would be a good fit with his desires?

A) herbal remedies and pain relief
B) hypnosis for pain control
C) hospital and physician care
D) hospice care

Question 28

Modern care providers are concerned with helping individuals experience a "good death," which generally includes all of the following EXCEPT

A) privacy from loved ones.
B) physical comfort.
C) acceptance.
D) appropriate medical care.

Question 29

Alli is 8 years old. Which of the following presents the greatest risk of death for her?

A) SIDS
B) suicide
C) domestic violence
D) accidents

Question 30

Car accidents, suicide, and homicide cause the most deaths to those in

A) childhood.
B) adolescence.
C) middle adulthood.
D) older adulthood.

Question 31

Arnold has signed an advanced directive. This means that his

A) preferences for whether or not to use life-sustaining measures have been recorded and must be followed.
B) immediate family has legal control over his care.
C) family is allowed to engage in active euthanasia.
D) physician is required to do everything possible to keep him alive.

Question 32

Which of the following refers to individuals' rights to determine whether extraordinary means should be used to keep them alive?

A) euthanasia
B) durable power of attorney
C) allowing termination of life support in the event of brain death
D) living will

Question 33

Which state allows active euthanasia?

A) Oregon
B) Michigan
C) Alaska
D) Texas

Question 34

Marilyn suffers a severe stroke and irreversible brain damage. Her husband decides to remove all life support and, subsequently, Marilyn dies. This is an example of

A) active euthanasia.
B) passive euthanasia.
C) apathetic euthanasia.
D) acceptable homicide.

Question 35

What is the most common cause of infant death in the United States?

A) sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
B) birth defects
C) secondhand smoke
D) car accidents

Question 36

Marina's dog, Nacho, is killed by a car. When she sees him, Marina asks, "When will Nacho wake up?" Approximately how old is Marina?

A) 3-5 years old
B) 5-7 years old
C) 6-9 years old
D) 8-10 years old

Question 37

Patricia, who lives in Texas, is dying of cancer, which gives her severe pain. Which of the following MOST likely is true?

A) Patricia will die at home surrounded by loved ones.
B) Patricia has been told how long she is likely to live.
C) Even though painkillers are available, Patricia may still experience severe pain.
D) Patricia will be able to receive physician-assisted suicide if she signs the appropriate legal medical documents.

Question 38

Older adults are MOST likely to die from

A) autoimmune diseases.
B) genetic disorders.
C) accidents.
D) chronic diseases.

Question 39

Euthanasia that occurs when death is deliberately induced is termed

A) passive.
B) active.
C) overt.
D) covert.

Question 40

SIDS refers to the death of an infant

A) who had severe neurological injuries.
B) from a virulent salmonella infection.
C) from septic intravenous respiratory failure.
D) with no apparent cause.

Question 41

Karen is 45 years old. She likely fears death

A) less than her 16-year-old daughter.
B) less than her 72-year-old mother.
C) more than her 47-year-old husband.
D) more than both her 16-year-old daughter and 72-year-old mother.

Question 42

Arlene is not sure how to handle her son's questions about his grandfather's death. How would a psychologist advise Arlene?

A) She should tell her son that such questions are inappropriate.
B) She should ignore the questions and change the subject.
C) She should discuss the topic honestly and at an age-appropriate level.
D) She should tell him that his grandfather will wake up in a few years.

Question 43

Who is the MOST likely to attempt suicide?

A) Native American/Alaska Native adolescent female
B) African American adolescent female
C) Latino adolescent male
D) Asian adolescent male

Question 44

Emerging adults are _____ adolescents to commit suicide.

A) not as likely as
B) equally likely as
C) more likely than
D) There is not enough research in this area to answer.

Question 45

What spurs an adult to become more conscious of death?

A) first major illness
B) seeping awareness of vulnerability
C) recognition of aging
D) first major failure (school, job, relationship, etc.)

Question 46

Five-year-old Matthew asks many questions about the recent death of his grandmother. Kastenbaum would say that he is

A) too cognitively immature to understand separation and loss.
B) concerned about loss and separation and striving to understand death.
C) emotionally unable to deal with the finality of death.
D) trying to learn how he can remedy the circumstances.

Question 47

How should Pamela's parents share the news of her grandmother's death with her?

A) They should request that a private therapist be present when they tell her.
B) They should read her a book about death. If Pamela gets emotional, they should tell her later.
C) They should be euphemistic and brief.
D) They should be sensitive, honest, and open with Pamela.

Question 48

What is the third leading cause of death among 10- to 19-year-olds in the United States?

A) suicide
B) car accidents
C) cancer
D) homicide

Question 49

Robert Kastenbaum and John Bowlby agree that young children are

A) acutely aware and concerned about separation and loss.
B) heavily influenced by media and thus believe that death is reversible.
C) unable to emotionally deal with death.
D) able to cognitively comprehend death but not express this knowledge.

Question 50

Who is the LEAST likely to attempt suicide?

A) Native American/Alaska Native adolescent female
B) African American adolescent male
C) Latino adolescent male
D) Asian adolescent male

Question 51

Which of the following psychological traits is NOT associated with adolescent suicide?

A) high self-blame
B) high self-efficacy
C) low self-esteem
D) hopelessness

Question 52

Older and middle-aged adults differ in their views on death in that middle-aged adults typically

A) fear death more.
B) talk about death more.
C) think about death more.
D) accept death more readily.

Question 53

What is a major difference between the feelings of younger adults and those of older adults who are dying?

A) Younger adults feel more anger.
B) Older adults feel more guilt.
C) Younger adults feel cheated.
D) Older adults feel resigned to the inevitable.

Question 54

Low self-esteem, social isolation, illegal drug use, and depression are risk factors for

A) Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
B) Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
C) suicide.
D) homelessness.

Question 55

At what age do children usually gain an understanding of the universality and finality of death?

A) 3 years old
B) 6 years old
C) 9 years old
D) 12 years old

Question 56

Patients who are dying experience different feelings. Younger adults are likely to grieve what they _____; older adults grieve losing what they _____.

A) have; might achieve
B) might achieve; have
C) love; meant to do
D) meant to do; love

Question 57

At his grandfather's funeral, Rick cries, "Grandpa's not coming back." Approximately how old is Rick likely to be?

A) 3-5 years old
B) 5-7 years old
C) 6-8 years old
D) 9 years old

Question 58

Jeffrey has just begun to contemplate religious and philosophical stances on life after death. What stage of life is he in?

A) middle childhood
B) adolescence
C) early adulthood
D) middle adulthood

Question 59

The results of a 2015 national survey revealed that _____ of U.S. adolescents had thought about committing suicide.

A) 2 percent
B) 5 percent
C) 18 percent
D) 25 percent

Question 60

Ten-year-old Denise has just suffered the death of her father. What impact will this have on her life?

A) Assuming she still has a mother, Denise's father's death will be a minor emotional speed bump in her life. She will recover completely within 1 to 2 months.
B) Denise will experience a serious drop in school performance and long-lasting symptoms of depression.
C) Denise will see her father's death as magic and temporary. She will be confused when he does not wake up.
D) The impact on Denise will depend on factors such as the quality of her relationship with her father and on the nature of his death.

Question 61

Calvin is contemplating imminent death after failed attempts to cure his condition. He cries frequently and often refuses visitors. Which of Kübler-Ross' stages of grief does this illustrate?

A) anger
B) depression
C) bargaining
D) acceptance

Question 62

Hanna stares out the hospital window and wonders why she has to die. She snaps at a worker who arrives to gather her food tray. Which of Kübler-Ross' stages of grief does this illustrate?

A) acceptance
B) denial
C) anger
D) bargaining

Question 63

Kay knows the end is near. She is calm and ready to let go of her earthly cares. Which of Kübler-Ross' stages of grief does this illustrate?

A) depression
B) tolerance
C) denial
D) acceptance

Question 64

During which life stage is the rate of suicide the highest in the United States?

A) adolescence
B) 25-44 years old
C) 45-64 years old
D) 75 years and older

Question 65

Which of the following lists Kübler-Ross' stages of dying in the correct order?

A) denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance
B) denial and isolation, bargaining, anger, depression, acceptance
C) denial and isolation, anger, grief, bargaining, acceptance
D) anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance, grief

Question 66

Betty's doctor allows her to make important decisions regarding treatment of her terminal disease. Betty's perceived control will likely serve to

A) make her depressed every time she has to confront another option.
B) keep her in maladaptive denial refusing many recommended medications.
C) improve her attitude about the situation.
D) ignite her immune system and help her conquer the disease.

Question 67

According to a recent Canadian study, most patients nearing death want to die

A) via active euthanasia.
B) in a hospital.
C) at home.
D) in a nursing home.

Question 68

According to Cottrell & Duggleby, which factor may work as an adaptive strategy or a maladaptive strategy for dealing with impending death depending on how it is employed?

A) perceived control
B) acceptance
C) autonomy
D) denial

Question 69

After speaking to the physician, Pablo understands that his father is dying. How should he communicate this news to his father?

A) He should let the physician and a hospital social worker tell his father.
B) He should be open and honest.
C) He should tell him his illness is serious but keep the details secret and explain away any procedures and treatments his father will go through.
D) He shouldn't tell him.

Question 70

When a person is dying of a terminal illness, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross believed that depression is

A) a phase that friends and family can help the person through by encouraging cheerfulness.
B) the first phase a person goes through when he or she learns that death is imminent.
C) part of the normal process of detaching oneself from love objects.
D) an uncommon reaction signaling a need for counseling and possible antidepressant medication.

Question 71

What percentage of Americans dies in nursing homes?

A) 10 percent
B) 20 percent
C) 30 percent
D) 40 percent

Question 72

Which of the following is true of Kübler-Ross' stages of dying?

A) Some individuals never come to accept their imminent death.
B) All individuals go through each stage, but time spent in each stage varies.
C) All individuals go through each stage, but the order of the stages varies.
D) More positive reactions to dying occur in individuals who have had difficult, meaningless lives.

Question 73

Harold knows he will not live much longer. He asks God to prolong his life and promises to make amends with his estranged children. Kübler-Ross called this stage

A) bargaining.
B) denial.
C) depression.
D) acceptance.

Question 74

Which of the following was given the highest rating on a scale measuring life stressors that require the most adjustment?

A) death of a spouse
B) death of a parent
C) death of a sibling
D) death of a child

Question 75

In the Kalish & Reynolds study (1976), people were asked "What would you do if you had only 6 months to live?" Brett answers this hypothetical question by indicating that he would visit the pyramids in Egypt. Brett is likely a(n)

A) adolescent.
B) young adult.
C) older adult.
D) child.

Question 76

Which of the following statements is an accurate criticism of Kübler-Ross' stages of dying?

A) She underestimates the amount of time people stay in the anger stage.
B) She did not consider that men and women go through each stage differently.
C) She failed to validate the five-stage sequence herself or by independent research.
D) She ignored that most people do not realize they are dying.

Question 77

Brenda is surprised that her chemotherapy has not been more effective. "I can't die-not me." Which of Kübler-Ross' stages of dying does this illustrate?

A) anger
B) denial
C) bargaining
D) depression

Question 78

In the Kalish & Reynolds study (1976), people were asked "What would you do if you had only 6 months to live," Beth answers that she would spend time meditating. Beth is likely a(n)

A) adolescent.
B) young adult.
C) older adult.
D) child.

Question 79

What percentage of Americans die in hospitals?

A) 20 percent
B) 30 percent
C) 40 percent
D) over 50 percent

Question 80

In some cases, denial of death may be a positive response. Which of the following could be a reason for this?

A) It can help one accept the reality of one's death.
B) It can soften the emotional impact of impending death.
C) It can help one prepare family members for one's death.
D) It can prevent one from receiving unnecessary medical interventions.