Question 1

What document combines a living will and a health care power of attorney?

Accepted Answer

Five Wishes is a legal document that combines a living will and health care power of attorney. It allows individuals to specify their end-of-life medical treatment, as well as designate a trusted person to make decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so.

Question 2

Which of the following is a statement by a competent person about choices for medical treatment,should he or she become unable to make such decisions or communicate them in the future?

Accepted Answer

An advance directive is a legal document that allows a competent person to make decisions about their future medical treatment in case they become unable to communicate them or make decisions. This document outlines their wishes and preferences for end-of-life care, such as whether they want life-sustaining treatments or prefer to pass away naturally. This ensures that their healthcare decisions are respected and carried out, even if they are unable to speak for themselves.

Question 3

Which of the following statements presents a case against euthanasia using the "wedge" or "slippery slope" argument?

Accepted Answer

The "wedge" or "slippery slope" argument suggests that allowing certain actions, such as euthanasia, can lead to the acceptance of other actions that are currently considered immoral or unethical. Statement A presents this argument by stating that permitting euthanasia may lead to accepting other acts that are clearly immoral.

Question 4

The conventional written legal document used for specifying a person's wishes for the distribution of his or her estate after death is a/an

Accepted Answer

A formally executed will is the conventional written legal document used for specifying a person's wishes for the distribution of his or her estate after death. An ethical will is a different type of document that communicates values, beliefs, and other non-monetary assets to future generations. A nuncupative will is an oral will that is declared by the testator (the person making the will) in front of witnesses and is only valid in limited circumstances. Testament is a synonym for will and does not specify the type of will document.

Question 5

According to Barton Bernstein,the first legal stage in cases of terminal illness

Accepted Answer

According to Barton Bernstein, the first legal stage in cases of terminal illness involves the patient in long-range planning and arranging legal and financial affairs. This usually involves making a will, establishing a power of attorney, and deciding on other end-of-life arrangements. This stage occurs before the patient's death. Options A, C, and D occur after the patient's death.

Question 6

Euthanasia comes from the Greek

Accepted Answer

Euthanasia comes from the Greek words "eu" meaning "easy" and "thanatos" meaning "death," therefore the best choice is B, "easy death."

Question 7

A codicil relates to

Accepted Answer

A codicil is a legal document that amends or adds to an existing will. It does not rewrite the entire will, but rather makes specific changes, such as adding a new beneficiary or making revisions to inheritance amounts.

Question 8

In the medical management of pain,what rule states that a harmful effect of treatment,even if it results in death,is permissible if the harm is not intended and occurs as a side effect of a beneficial action?

Accepted Answer

The rule that states that a harmful effect of treatment, even if it results in death, is permissible if the harm is not intended and occurs as a side effect of a beneficial action is called the rule of double effect. This rule is commonly applied in palliative care and end-of-life care, where the primary intention is to relieve pain and suffering, even if it may hasten death as a secondary effect. It is important to note that the rule of double effect only applies when the harmful effect is not intended and occurs as a side effect of a beneficial action, and not when the harm is the intended outcome.

Question 9

Which industrialized countries are identified in the text as permitting euthanasia to patients who request death?
1)United States and Japan
2)Netherlands and Belgium
3)Belgium and Luxembourg
4)United Kingdom and Japan

Accepted Answer

The text identifies Netherlands and Belgium as the industrialized countries that permit euthanasia to patients who request death. Luxembourg is also mentioned as being part of this group. The United States, United Kingdom, and Japan are not mentioned as countries that permit euthanasia.

Question 10

The Patient Self-Determination Act requires providers of services under Medicare and Medicaid to do which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The Patient Self-Determination Act requires providers of services under Medicare and Medicaid to inform patients of their rights to appoint a health care proxy and draw up written instructions regarding treatment. It does not require refusal of admission or determining the patient's length of stay, and does not specify documentation of the Five Wishes document.

Question 11

Which state was the first to give legal recognition to the living will?

Accepted Answer

California was the first state to give legal recognition to the living will through the California Natural Death Act of 1976. This legislation allowed individuals to make advance directives regarding their healthcare preferences, including the refusal of life-sustaining treatment.

Question 12

What is the condition when a person dies without having left a valid will?

Accepted Answer

When a person dies without having left a valid will, it is called intestate. In such situations, the distribution of the deceased person's assets is determined by the rules of intestacy, which vary depending on the jurisdiction. It is always advisable to have a valid will to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your death.

Question 13

An advanced directive is best defined as

Accepted Answer

An advanced directive is a legal document that specifies a person's wishes for medical treatment in the event that they are incapacitated or unable to communicate those wishes. It is a type of statement made by a competent person about choices for medical treatment, should he or she become unable to make or communicate such choices. It is not related to amendments to a will, dying without making a will, or estate settlements.

Question 14

The living will is a

Accepted Answer

A living will is a type of advance directive that outlines a person's wishes for medical treatment and end-of-life care in case they become unable to communicate or make decisions for themselves. It is not a type of conditional will, donation of gifts, or naming of an estate trustee.

Question 15

Which state became the first to adopt a Natural Death Act giving legal recognition to the living will?

Accepted Answer

California became the first state to adopt a Natural Death Act in 1976, giving legal recognition to living wills. This allowed individuals to make advance directives about their healthcare preferences in case they become unable to make decisions for themselves.

Question 16

What type of will is made orally?

Accepted Answer

A nuncupative will is made orally, often in the presence of witnesses, and is typically only considered valid in certain circumstances, such as when the person making the will is on their deathbed or in military combat. It is also known as a "deathbed will" or "oral will."

Question 17

Which act allows physicians to prescribe lethal medication to terminally ill patients?

Accepted Answer

The Oregon Death with Dignity Act (DWDA) allows physicians to prescribe lethal medication to terminally ill patients who meet certain criteria.

Question 18

Which organization created the Five Wishes document?

Accepted Answer

Aging with Dignity created the Five Wishes document.

Question 19

According to Barton Bernstein,the second legal stage in cases of terminal illness involves which of the following activities?

Accepted Answer

According to Barton Bernstein, the second legal stage in cases of terminal illness involves notifying medical personnel if the dying patient intends to make an organ donation or anatomical gift. This is important as it ensures that the patient's wishes are respected and that the donation process can be carried out smoothly in a timely manner. The other options listed may be important legal steps in dealing with a terminal illness, but they are not specifically mentioned as part of the second legal stage according to Bernstein.

Question 20

A living will allows an individual to

Accepted Answer

A living will allows an individual to refuse life-sustaining treatment in the event they are terminally ill or unable to communicate their wishes. It is not a document for estate and funeral planning, nor does it require a physician to keep the individual alive at all costs.

Quiz 6: End-Of-Life Issues and Decisions