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Part 1

Phyllis Sommer’s presentation gives a clear illustration of the four components of death. The

component of universality of death is depicted in her examples whereby both nonhumans (parrot

pet) and humans (Sam) face death. Besides, the video has shown the irreversibility and non-

functionality of dead organisms. These components are demonstrated in the death of Sam and the

parrot in that they were gone forever and nothing could bring them back. Sam’s death was

caused by a disease and this demonstrates the causality of death (Sommer).

Children acquire knowledge and learn to respond to death through various experiences. As they

grow, the perceptions they have about death end up resembling those of their adults. At the very

young age, children have no understanding of death. At they grow, they have a limited

knowledge and at a later age, they are able to give an explanation of it (Strickland).

I agree with Phyllis Sommer’s viewpoint about death. Most people are afraid of confronting hard

realities and in this case, death realities. They tend to use euphemisms to massage their feelings.

This is the cultural socialization that has led to people restraining from expressing and

confronting their emotions head on, which brings sadness and pain in the end (Sommer).

In the last part of Phyllis’ last statement (14.22), one of the reasons that show that what she’s

saying is the fact that whatever way you put it, the underlying truth remains that whatever

happened is an irreversible process. It means that the truth will finally be out, soon or later.
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Contrarily, I believe euphemisms are important especially in politics. The skill of avoiding

addressing issues directly ensures that the message only goes to the intended audience to avoid

any manner of criticisms.

Part 2

8 Principles of delivering bad news

1. Be simple by relaying important information only to avoid ambiguity.

2. Be empathetic and ask yourself, “What does this diagnosis mean to the patient.”

3. Create a “cool ground” by ensuring a positive social relationship with the patient.

4. Be patient enough to wait for the patient to raise the questions concerning the news. It

ensures that the patient has a control the flow of the conversation

5. Give the patient time to deal with the denial should the situation arise.

6. Ask the patient questions concerning the news and the response will enable you to

identify the direction of the conversation.

7. Ensure that the patient is still hopeful even after breaking the bad news.

8. Ensure that you only deliver factual information to avoid contradictions and

miscommunications.

In the sequential notification technique entails the following steps

1. The bereaved family should be asked if there is any information that they already know.

2. Basing on the information that they have given, give them a brief descriptions of the

events that led the patient to be at the hospital.

3. Explain to the family members the efforts that were done to resuscitate the patient.

4. Give a conclusion on how the patient responded to the treatment, a brief explanation of

the cause(s) of death and finally a death statement.

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Contrast

In the first case, main audience is the patient while in the later; the patient is already deceased,

hence audience is the next of kin of the patient.

My principles of delivering bad diagnosis

1. The information to be given to the patient must be accurate and reliable

2. Inquire from the patient the extent of the information to be delivered

3. Prepare of the possibility of bad news so that it doesn’t come as a shock.

4. The information given must be timely.

5. Patient confidentiality must be upheld to ensure that the comfortable environment.

Citations

Sommer, Phyllis. Dead Is Dead: Euphemism And The Power Of Words. 2015,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUqr4P7P3gM&feature=youtu.be. Accessed 6 May 2020.

Strickland, Albert Lee. The last dance: encountering death and dying. Palo Alto, Calif.:

Mayfield Publishing Company, 1983.