Medical Terminology
Every health condition comes with its own language, medical terminology and decision options. End of Life is no different. While CPR and DNR may be familiar to many, that doesn’t mean they are understood as intended.
New ‘terms’ such as Allow Natural Death or AND and Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking or VSED have been created to add to options to consider. Understanding the words and terms used is one thing. Being able to act on them is another.
Dialysis
May be used for temporary or permanent loss of kidney function Dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment, but it is important to recognize that dialysis also has limitations. It may not be of benefit to prolong life with dialysis if quality of life suffers dramatically....
Intraveinous (IV)
An IV is used to get fluids and medications intraveinously, which means via the veins. More info: http://wiki.answers.com...
Intubation
A tube is placed into the windpipe (trachea), through the mouth, and you will likely be placed on a breathing machine. More info: nlm.nih.gov...
Palliative Surgery
Aimed at relieving pain and symptoms of disease but not intended to cure the disease. More info: aboutoperations.co.uk...
