The nurse has been caring for a ventilator-dependent patient for sever

QUESTION

The nurse has been caring for a ventilator-dependent patient for several days. The family has made the decision to withdraw ventilatory support. How should the nurse interpret this decision?

1. As active euthanasia
2. As illegal euthanasia
3. As passive euthanasia
4. As alleviation euthanasia

ANSWER:

Correct Answer: 3

There are two types of euthanasia discussed in the textbook: active and passive. Withdrawal of life-sustaining technology is considered passive euthanasia. Active euthanasia is purposefully doing something that will result in the client’s death, such as knowingly and purposefully administering a medication overdose. Alleviation and illegal are not forms of euthanasia discussed in the textbook.