Question 1

The "Living Will" is an instrument which reflects a passive euthanasia perspective.True

Accepted Answer

A living will is a legal document that outlines an individual's preferences for medical treatment in the event they become unable to make decisions for themselves. It often includes instructions on withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment, which reflects a passive euthanasia perspective.

Question 2

In recent years, there has been a sharp increase in the number of autopsies performed in the United States.

Accepted Answer

There has not been a sharp increase in the number of autopsies performed in the United States in recent years. In fact, the opposite is true. The number of autopsies has decreased due to advances in medical technology and changes in cultural and religious attitudes towards autopsy.

Question 3

Autopsies are not covered by health insurance.True

Accepted Answer

Autopsies are not considered a medical procedure to treat a patient, and therefore are not covered by health insurance. They are typically conducted for legal, forensic, or research purposes.

Question 4

A coroner may, or may not, be trained in medical science, but is responsible for making inquiries into questionable deaths in order to determine if a death was due to foul play.

Accepted Answer

This statement correctly describes the role of a coroner. They are responsible for investigating sudden, suspicious, or unexplained deaths and determining the cause and manner of death. While some coroners may have medical training, it is not required in all jurisdictions.

Question 5

If one makes a statement in one's will regarding funeral arrangements, the statement is legally binding upon one's survivors.

Accepted Answer

While a statement in a will regarding funeral arrangements may be taken into consideration by one's survivors, it is not legally binding. Funeral arrangements are typically organized and carried out by the executor of the estate or the next of kin, in accordance with state laws and any prearranged funeral plans.

Question 6

Federal laws regulate the disposition of a person's body and property upon death..

Accepted Answer

The answer of Federal laws regulate the disposition of a...

Question 7

The majority of doctors in the United States have very little training in completing death certificates.

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that many doctors in the United States have very little training in completing death certificates, which can lead to inaccuracies and incomplete information on vital statistics related to mortality.

Question 8

According to English law, no one owns a dead body.

Accepted Answer

According to the law in England and Wales, a dead body is not considered property and therefore cannot be owned by anyone. However, certain rights and responsibilities are bestowed on certain people, such as the next of kin or executor of the deceased's estate, in terms of making funeral arrangements and handling the remains.

Question 9

More than half of all adult Americans have durable powers of attorney for health care and living wills.

Accepted Answer

According to a 2017 study by the University of Pennsylvania, only about one-third of Americans have both a durable power of attorney for health care and a living will.

Question 10

According to the World Health Organization, most of the countries of the world require death certificates.

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to the World Health Organization, most...

Question 11

An autopsy is a dissection and examination of a just-deceased patient.

Accepted Answer

An autopsy is the examination of a person's body after death to determine the cause of death or to gather evidence for legal purposes. It involves dissection and analysis of organs and tissues to identify any diseases or injuries that may have contributed to the person's death.

Question 12

A death certificate must be completed before the final disposition of the body can be made.True

Accepted Answer

A death certificate is a legal document that certifies the death of an individual and lists the cause of death. It must be signed by a medical professional and filed with the appropriate authorities before a body can be buried or cremated.

Question 13

An autopsy occurs in over 90 percent of deaths in the United States today.

Accepted Answer

Autopsies are not routinely performed in over 90 percent of deaths in the United States. They are only performed in certain circumstances, such as when the cause of death is not immediately clear or there are legal or medical concerns. The actual percentage of autopsies performed varies depending on the jurisdiction and other factors.

Question 14

In the United States the decedent's body is "property" off the decedent's estate.False

Accepted Answer

The decedent's body is not considered property and is not included as an asset in the estate. It is instead treated with dignity and respect and is often the subject of specific laws and regulations regarding its handling and disposition.

Question 15

If you have a living will, you should keep it a secret and not tell your family physician or family members.

Accepted Answer

You should share a copy of your living will with your family physician and loved ones so they are aware of your wishes in case you become unable to communicate them yourself. Having open communication about end-of-life care can help ensure that your wishes are respected and followed.

Question 16

Durable power of attorney for health care and living wills are know as Medical Directives (MD).

Accepted Answer

The answer of Durable power of attorney for health care...

Question 17

A durable power of attorney for health care is a document that states that an individual does not want medical intervention if there is not a reasonable hope for recovery.

Accepted Answer

A durable power of attorney for health care is a document that designates an individual to make medical decisions for the signer if they are unable to make those decisions themselves. It does not dictate whether or not medical intervention should occur. The signer can specify their wishes for medical intervention through a separate document such as a living will.

Question 18

If an infant is younger that 1 year of age and no cause of death can be found, then the death can be reported as SIDS.

Accepted Answer

SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is a diagnosis given when an infant younger than 1 year dies suddenly and no cause of death can be found, even after autopsy and investigation.

Question 19

In is unlawful to dispose of a corpse until the cause of death has been satisfactorily ascertained.True

Accepted Answer

This is true in most jurisdictions to allow for proper investigation and possible criminal charges if necessary.

Question 20

A durable power of attorney for health care will be recognized in a court of law and implemented.True

Accepted Answer

A durable power of attorney for health care is a legal document that allows an individual to appoint someone (known as an agent or proxy) to make health care decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so. This document is recognized in a court of law and the agent's decisions will be implemented as long as they are consistent with the wishes and preferences of the person who granted the power of attorney.

Quiz 12: The Legal Aspects of Dying