End of Life Care: What to Expect and How to Help

Important organs that are not vital organs 

Stomach 

Reproductive organs 

Gallbladder 

Appendix 

Kidneys 

Colon 

Spleen 

Normal vital organs functional description 

The brain and the brain system. The brain gets people to think functionally because people see structurally, and in the process of thinking, the brain translates the meaning of the structures. 

The lungs . The lungs help in breathing, and it allows oxygen from the air to enter into the blood through red cells. Lungs regulate voluntary and involuntary breathing in the human body. 

The Heart. The heart is a vital organ that humans cannot do without. The heat controls the blood flow in the human body through pumping blood throughout the body. The heart, through pumping of blood, supply nutrients and oxygen to tissues. 

Liver. The liver secretes a fluid called bile, which helps in the digestive system by breaking down fats and hence preparing them for further digestion. 

Pancreas. The pancreas secretes enzymes directly involved in the digestive system. The enzymes help in the breakdown of food 

Stomach. The stomach allows temporary storage of food and later help in breakdown and mixing of food through relaxation and contraction of the muscle. The core function of the stomach is food digestion. 

Small intestines . In this organ, 90% of food digestions and absorption occur, and the primary function of this organ is the absorption of food. 

Large intestine . The function of the small intestine is majorly water absorption and to transmit waste fro the body. 

Both kidneys . Kidneys are vital organs of the body that allow the filtering of waste material from the blood and maintaining fluid balance. 

Is it possible to live without a vital organ? Why? Example? 

There are some vital organs that humans can do without. For instance, it is possible to live without one kidney. Furthermore, it is possible to live without one lung. On the other hand, it may be possible to live without some vital organs which can be mechanically replaced using modern biotechnology. 

The distinction between assisting and substituting vital organs. Bioethical analysis

Assisting vital organs has a bioethical obligation, but substituting vital organs is done when the organ fails irreversibly; hence, no moral obligation to substitute the organ. 

Do the following practices assist or substitute the vital organ? Why? 

Dialysis . Dialysis substitute kidneys. Dialysis takes over the function of the kidney in case of a total failure of the organs. Blood is filtered by a filter outside the body (Hemodialysis), and then the blood id returned to the body. 

Ventilator . 

The ventilator may substitute or assist breathing, depending on the settings. The ventilator can be set to take the full function of breathing, and it can be set to aid the entry of air into the lungs. 

Respirator . 

Respirator assists in providing oxygen. Respirator assists the lungs to let in and out air to a patient who is unable to breathe physically. 

Tracheotomy 

Tracheotomy substitute the trachea. An artificial tube is placed in a surgical opening, trachea, to aid breathing. 

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). 

CPR assist and substitutes the heart. CPR assist the heart though physical compressions that ensure steady circulation of blood. On the other hand, CPR substitutes the heart in instances when the heart stops beating entirely. 

Unconsciousness state 

It is a state of lack of response to a painful stimulus. In this state, there is no awareness of self and the environment. 

Coma. Coma may happen from physiological happening or trauma to the head. Additionally, coma may be induced. 

Persistent vegetative state (PVS). 

Traumatic head injury 

Brain hypoxia 

Epileptic seizure 

Syncope 

Benefit vs. burden bioethical analysis. 

Summary of ERD part 5 

Christ redemption focus on accommodating persons in all circumstances including, suffering, illness, and death. The Catholic Healthcare Ministry adheres to the confidence of faith to face the reality of death. The church face death through the belief that man was created for eternal life, and hence, death cannot be a limitation. Catholic Healthcare ministry support patients in their time of need when terminal illness attacks them, and it becomes unbearable to face the process of dying. 

Stewardship of human life obligates people to protect life, which may have profound implications, for we have no absolute power over life. People may reject life-prolonging procedures, which can be beneficial and also excessively burdensome. 

Medicine only care from patient even in instances when it cannot cure. Therefore, the patient must apply a moral obligation to decide about medical technology at their disposal. Life-sustaining technology is then judged on parameters of the meaning Christians ascertain to suffering, life, and death. Two instances are considered in this case where a useless technology may be used without the patient's consent and on the other hand, the withdrawal of technology to quicken the process of death. 

Moral issues regarding medically assisted hydration and nutrition are significant issues that the church's authority has addressed. The teaching is based on Catholic teaching as opposed to euthanasia. Euthanasia is an omission or an action which by intention or itself, causes death aimed at eliminating suffering. Medically assisted hydration and nutrition should be provided to all patients in need of them as a form of basic care.