Abstract This paper describes life-threatening multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), which affects physiological systems that are not traditionally considered organs including the hematologic, the immune and endocrine systems. The author indicates that the origin of MODS might be an overwhelming, uncontrolled systemic inflammatory response activated by a number of hostile stimuli including sepsis, hypovolemic shock and severe trauma resulting in massive tissue injury. The paper reviews literature on the subject and concludes that MODS is very poorly understood.
From the Paper "Five systems are responsible for the inflammatory response including the systems as follows: (1) platelets; (2) endothelial cells; (3) leucocytes; (4) plasmatic hemocoagulation system; and (5) complement. Symptoms of local inflammation include: (1) rubor; (2) calor; (3) tumor; (4) dolor; and (5) function laesa. The degree of reversibility of secondary MODS is stated to be influenced by the following: (1) necrotic tissue damage; (2) changes in vessel wall caused by proinflammtory cytokines; (3) during chronic process - proliferation of less valuable cells; and (4) apoptosis."
A personal reflection of how the writer managed to cope following the death of his mother and how he believes his life experiences will make him a good student.
1,010 words (approx. 4 pages), 0 sources, 2008, $ 35.95
Abstract This paper presents the writer's personal experiences and emotions following the death of his mother. It discusses how his mother's death affected his performance in school and then looks at how it encouraged him to pursue music. The paper looks at the different ways in which the writer managed to cope following this traumatic life event. The writer makes the point that his life experiences and the way he has managed them will make him a resilient, active, and enthusiastic student on campus.
From the Paper "My dad earned a good living at his job and I never had to work when I was in school. However, I did volunteer. Another way of keeping my schedule as full as possible, I volunteered for three years straight at various organizations. For five months I held a position at Amnesty International. Answering phones and performing other office duties was a simple way of learning about the organization and the amazing work they do around the world. I also volunteered with smaller local organizations including a homeless shelter. Once I brought my guitar there and played an acoustic set and the staff enjoyed us so much they asked my band to return for a full electric set. We did that and the event was even written up in the local paper. It felt like a brief moment of celebrity for me."
Abstract In the novels "Ceremony" by Leslie M. Silko and "Beloved" by Toni Morrison, a variety of ways for dealing with past trauma are examined within the framework of narratives that switch from one story to another and one time frame to another. The paper compares and contrasts the two novels and shows how their protagonists deal with the past.
From the Paper "Both novels tell of people who are haunted by their pasts, afraid to face the experiences that have brought them into destructive behavior. In both, the characters who face the past and tell about their ordeals find peace and live a life of contentment. Those who do not, never find peace and they die or go insane. Tayo's friends never face up to the past, and they continue to get drunk and use alcohol as an escape mechanism. In the end they die in a car crash that is described in terms of their shared past..."
Abstract This paper gives an account of the author's personal experience of watching a loved one die from cancer and how the victim of the cancer, as well as her loved ones, experienced the stages as outlined in Elisabeth Kubler-Ross's book, "On Death and Dying".
From the Paper "Josianne was diagnosed with uterine cancer a year and a half ago, prompting a hysterectomy and subsequent radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Because the success rates for treatment of her particular cancer seemed relatively high, her friends and loved ones remained hopeful that Josianne, too, would be among the nearly 75% who survived the ordeal. Josianne, a lawyer in her late forties, was the most optimistic and didn?t for a second feel that death was near. However, once her tract of radiation and chemo was over, doctors administered a series of tests, which revealed that the cancer had somehow spread into her lymph glands. The spread spelled almost certain death; once the cancer made its way into the lymphatic system, little could be done to halt its progress. We all watched on as tumors showed up in Josianne's cat scans, appearing in her lungs and colon and forcing her to have a colostomy and continual blood transfusions. Until that point, Josianne and her husband kept their hopes high that somehow she would overcome the illness and experience a spontaneous remission. However, her body began to deteriorate rapidly after a certain point; she could no longer eat and her kidneys began to fail."
Abstract This paper, presented as a cause and effect essay as opposed to a research paper, focuses on the effects and eventual treatment of childhood trauma. This paper discusses how and why experts must treat cases of childhood trauma much in the same manner as one would handle cases of child abuse or neglect. This paper delves into the motivations and the implications of violence and trauma being exposed to children and its significant impact on both their personality and psychological development. This paper also looks at how a child's cognitive and emotional development are impacted in later stages, long after the initial traumatic experience. The writer of this paper explores the treatments and therapies available to both parents and children in dealing with the long-term effects of neglect, abuse as well as exposure to traumatic events.
From the Paper "It is also important to think of personality development and how to present things such as patterns of family violence, concentrating specifically on domestic violence among families in need. A lot of people don't know about differentiations made in the terminology of abuse such as discrete and episodic violence. I learned about violence being used to abuse children as being pushing, shouting, and yelling. In terms of violence, there is a lot of psychological and sexual abuse of children that goes on that affects their development, and this does not concentrate only on physical abuse. This makes the definition of trauma broader. In terms of physical abuse, this facet of child abuse can be divided into sections of mild abuse, severe abuse, and abuse resulting in injury."
Abstract The following discussion evaluates septic shock and its influence on the destruction of cells, tissues, and organs. It is estimated that without proper and rapid treatment for septic shock, the illness may be fatal. The writer points out in this article that the role of the inflammatory response must be considered as a means of identifying the factors that lead to this circumstance.
From the Paper "The illness known as septic shock is one of the most critical problems that patients face in hospitalized settings when their health is compromised by other conditions that they face. There has been a marked increase in the diagnosis of this problem, and the reasons for this increase include new medical procedures, an overall increase in the age of patients, and an increased number of accidents. It is evident that these concepts have played a significant role in the continued growth of septic shock in patients, and there has also been an emergence of organ and tissue damage as a key factor in the development of this illness. In a large majority of cases, septic shock is fatal for those that contract this illness, which places those with this diagnosis at a high risk of mortality."
Abstract This paper outlines the conceptual difference between the symptomology/pathology of trauma and the traumatic experience. The writer traces the development of different perceptions of traumatic experience in relation to social and cultural influences. In this article, the writer gives an account of how these perceptions have implications for the management and care of traumatised clients.
From the Paper "According to Wilson Friedman and Lindy the term trauma was usually used to refer to some form of wound or damage to body tissues. However today the notion of trauma has shifted to include the individual's psycho emotional reaction to the situation. According to the authors, two factors are likely to make the experience of an event traumatic, the threat of death or serious injury to us or another person and a strong feeling of fear or helplessness. Also Wilson Friedman and Lindy point ... "
Abstract This paper is a case assessment and narrative on the assessment protocols for initial and primary assessment of a pediatric head trauma case. Bicycling safety and laws are identified in the paper, however the differences in children's perception is highlighted as interfering with the execution of the laws. The paper also presents primary and secondary neurological assessment protocols and risks.
From the Paper "Mike is an 8-year old boy brought into your small community hospital ER in Rural Town, SUA by the paramedics. He was riding his bicycle on the street when a car hit him. The driver did not stop, but other motorists summoned the paramedics. Mike was not wearing a helmet. The paramedics have controlled the facial bleeding, but Mike has facial and head trauma. It appears he has no fractures of the extremities. He is awake and semi-alert. Pediatric head trauma is the most common cause of mortality and morbidity in the US pediatric population occurring as the result of accidents where the skate boarder or bicyclist is stuck by an oncoming motorist. It is both common sense and often law that bicyclists and skateboarders wear safety helmets ("Mandatory Helmet Laws," 2005)."
Abstract This paper compares and analyzes two poems about death that were written almost three centuries apart. The reviewer believes that the poems "Death be not Proud" by John Donne and "On Death, without Exaggeration" by Wislawa Szymborska demonstrate the beliefs of two different generations on the topic of death. The reviewer further describes the former as condemning death's pride, and the latter as mocking death's frailty. "Death Be Not Proud" speaks of death as a subtle reality of life, whereas the modern-day poem "On Death, without Exaggeration" criticizes the imperfection of death.
From the Paper "Donne goes on to say that death is similar to natural rest or sleep. "From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be" (1453) implies that every time a man falls into sleep, he is performing an innocuous practice for the experience of death; however, death remains a part of life from which no one is exempt. Death, inevitable as it may be, is an assurance of Donne's believe that there is a supreme destination after death. It is a component of humanity and causes the poem to reflect a reverence toward and optimism about death."
Tags: John Donne Death Be Not Proud Wislawa Szymborska On Death, without Exaggeration
Abstract This paper examines death as addressed by two influential philosophers, Socrates and Epicurus. These philosophers take different approaches in viewing death and both have their own distinct reasons regarding it, however they reach the same conclusion, that death should not be feared. The paper discusses how Socrates addressees the uncertainty that follows death and how death may be even more pleasant than the life we once lived, while Epicurus addressees the non-existence of death, and illustrates how death does not affect us.
From the Paper "We shall begin our examination by looking at Socrates and the various arguments he makes. Socrates, a prolific philosopher in ancient Greece, was sentenced to execution and though given the chance to escape chose to stay and accept his punishment. According to Socrates, death is the will of the Gods and they alone know what lies after death. Mankind does not have the ability to acquire such knowledge, and therefore the afterlife is unknown to man. Socrates believes that individuals fear death because they fear the unknown, he therefore concludes that "fear of death is indeed the pretence of wisdom" (Plato, p. 3-4). Socrates gives two possible scenarios of what the afterlife may be like: "Either death is a state of nothingness and utter unconsciousness, or... there is a change and migration of the soul from this world to another" (Plato, p. 8). Socrates contends that there is no reason to fear an endless sleep, as it is a placid period which is pleasant to oneself."
Abstract This paper examines the international history of the death penalty and then takes a closer look at the use of the death penalty in the United States. The paper highlights the fact that in most countries, gender and age discrimination are not a factor with regards to the death penalty. The writer points out that there are juveniles on death row. The writer also looks at different religions and their opinion on the death penalty. The writer concludes that until the law changes, law enforcement and prosecutors should continue to advocate the death penalty in cases of murder and crimes involving children. The writer also believes that the death penalty is the only punishment that sends the message to criminals that murder and other acts of violence and crimes are absolutely unacceptable.
From the Paper "There are crimes considered by our society to be so atrocious and intolerable such as murder or rape of a child that if convicted, that the only punishment suitable for committing these crimes is the Death Penalty. The Death Penalty, also called Capital Punishment, is the execution of a convicted criminal by the state as reprisal for crimes known as capital crimes or offenses. This type of punishment is set aside for crimes like premeditated murder, espionage and treason. From the primitive people to the modern world as it is today, the death penalty remains the largest and most controversial part of the criminal justice system. Supporters of capital punishment argue that it deters crimes, while opponents of capital punishment argue that it violates human rights. As we explore this much debated topic, we will discover the past, present and future of death penalty."
Abstract In this paper, the writer makes use of the views of a doctor and of Socrates to demonstrate different views on death and dying. The writer examines the concept of a "good death" and death with dignity. The writer discusses how death with dignity currently refers more to medical science easing the pain of death, than to the Socratic idea.
From the Paper "A great deal has been written in recent years about the concept of a good death or death with dignity. Sherwin B. Nuland stated that an entire mythology has grown up around the process of dying. Like most mythologies, it is based on the inborn psychological need that all humankind shares. The mythologies of death are meant to combat fear on the one hand and its opposite wishes on the other. It will be argued in this report that death with dignity is now understood ... "
Abstract This paper examines the moral as well as legal issues regarding the sentencing of a minor to death for crimes. It argues how the sentencing of minor to the death penalty is wrong because it undermines the rehabilitation system that is currently in place throughout the United States. It stipulates how all citizens of the world, especially children deserve a chance to turn their lives around rather than have them cut short by a no turning back death sentence and how there are many reason why capital punishment for minors should be re-examined, from the costs of execution to the simple fact that a person does not develop fully until later in his or her teenage years. It looks at some of the underlying factors that cause juvenile crime and the debate of the effectiveness of the death penalty as a deterrent versus the cost of capital punishment. It evaluates other ways to deal with young offenders such as the different probation programs available.
From the Paper "It is hard to comprehend the effects of the death penalty on a country, especially on as large as the United States but the reality of the situation is alarming. The facts are that as of 1996 over fifty percent of the prisoners on death row have the educational equivalency of an eleventh grader. This means that fifty percent of inmates on death row have had little or no chance to progress in their home, community, city, state, and country. These death row inmates have no chance to change, learn, or make anything of their lives. They have been sent away to rot in a cell while they awaits their execution and while their minds lay dormant. There have been several cases where minors have been sentenced to death. The Supreme Court has wrestled with this dilemma for a while and found that there are no clear objections from any region of the United States to executing a person as young as sixteen."
Abstract This paper discusses the death of Alexander the Great. The paper puts forward the circumstance surrounding his death and the various versions of his death as recalled by various people and cultures.
Abstract Emily Dickinson's approach to the concept of death is haunting, for it provides us with a unique point of view. Her poetry is extremely personal and allows us to discern much from a psychoanalytic perspective. The paper shows that Dickinson's attempts to come to terms with her own death illustrate her courage and curiosity. Although she never "solves" the mystery of death, her observations are astute, and her attempts to grasp such a solemn subject demonstrate her seriousness as a thinker and a poet. The paper shows that Dickinson's obsession with death led her to write powerful poetry that not only attempts to solve life's greatest mysteries, but also gives us insight into her character. The paper uses several of Dickinson's poems as references.
From the Paper "In the poem, ?I Felt a Funeral in My Brain,? Dickinson also explores the possibility of an afterlife. The analogy is the obvious funeral in her brain and the funeral service itself. This is quite an unusual poem because it is written after her death has occurred and her body is placed in the coffin. This is an excellent example of Dickinson delving into the world of possibility. She is able to confront the anxiety she has toward death by imagining herself dead, yet conscious. This mood of this poem is macabre in that it represents a type of desperation that cannot be avoided. That consciousness is a possibility after death, is quite a unique approach that obviously helps Dickinson face her fears about death, though not so pleasantly. Indeed, Dickinson may bring herself face to face with the solitary nothingness of life after death, but the act in and of itself is no reward."
Tags: Because, I, Could, Not, Stop, for, Death, macabre
