Define the following terms: living wills, advance medical directives, surrogate decision making, ordinary care, extraordinary care.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Definitions of Key Terms:
Living Wills:
Living wills, also known as advance directives, are legal documents that allow individuals to express their preferences regarding medical treatment in the event they become unable to communicate their wishes. Living wills typically outline the desired medical interventions or treatments a person would like to receive or refuse, particularly in situations where they are terminally ill or permanently unconscious.
Advance Medical Directives:
Advance medical directives encompass a broader range of legal documents that go beyond living wills. These documents allow individuals to express their healthcare preferences and appoint a surrogate decision-maker to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated. In addition to living wills, advance medical directives may include durable power of attorney for healthcare (proxy or healthcare proxy) and do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders.
Surrogate Decision Making:
Surrogate decision making refers to the process of making healthcare decisions on behalf of an individual who lacks the capacity to make those decisions themselves. This occurs when a person has not appointed a healthcare proxy or their wishes are not clearly outlined in an advance directive. Surrogates, typically family members or close friends, make decisions based on what they believe the patient would have wanted or what is deemed to be in the patient’s best interest.
Ordinary Care:
Ordinary care refers to the standard level of medical treatment and interventions that are considered customary, appropriate, and necessary to maintain a patient’s health and well-being. It encompasses routine medical care, such as medication administration, basic hygiene, nutrition, hydration, and management of common illnesses or injuries.
Extraordinary Care:
Extraordinary care refers to medical treatment or interventions that go beyond the standard level of care and are considered more invasive, burdensome, or experimental. These treatments may involve significant risks, costs, and potential adverse effects. Examples of extraordinary care include aggressive life-support measures, complex surgeries, or experimental treatments that offer uncertain benefits or have limited chances of success.
It is important to note that the definitions and interpretations of these terms may vary based on legal jurisdictions and cultural contexts. Consulting legal professionals and healthcare providers is advisable for accurate understanding and application of these concepts within specific contexts.
