The final moments of life

End of life symptoms involve physical changes as the body gradually stops functioning. It begins with fatigue, drowsiness, eating less, abnormal breathing, cold hands and feet, darkened skin, and decreased awareness. There may be confusion, delirium, and hearing is the last sense to remain. Care focuses on comfort, not disturbing the patient, and providing emotional warmth.

 

Observable physical symptoms

- Reduced bodily functions, extreme fatigue, drowsiness, sleeping all the time, and decreased movement.

- Circulatory system, colder hands and feet, skin may become darker or mottled (purplish-dark).

- Breathing, breath may become shallower, slower, or occur in cycles (faint breathing then stopping for a moment). There is a lot of phlegm.

- Eating and drinking, loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, drinking much less water. One should not urge them to eat too much.

- Mouth and eyes, dry mouth, dry eyes, and eyes may not close completely.

- Excretion, there may be abnormal urination or bowel movements.

Vital signs, low blood pressure, weaker pulse.

Neurological and psychological symptoms

- Awareness, decreased awareness, confusion, agitation, delirium, or hallucinations (Terminal Delirium).

- Feelings, sometimes there may be a feeling of a final surge of energy before declining rapidly.

- Hearing, hearing is the last sense that remains.

Care during the final stages

- Focus on comfort, position the patient comfortably, turn them only as necessary, and maintain mouth and skin cleanliness.

- Touching, touch, hug gently, stroke, and speak in a normal tone of voice to make the patient feel they are not alone.

- Reduce disturbances, no need for aggressive treatments, avoid disturbances such as waking them up or unnecessary catheterization.

- Listen to feelings, provide opportunities for the patient to express feelings (if still able to communicate) or listen to unresolved matters.

These changes are a natural process of the body gradually declining. Understanding these symptoms will help relatives and caregivers provide appropriate care and help the patient pass away as peacefully as possible.

 

 

Reference :

Nan Ah Hospital The final moments of life

ArokaGO Providers Nan Ah Hospital