NURSING ESSAY NOTES
9. a. what are the signs of approaching death.
b. discuss nursing care of a dying patient.
Death is defined as:
1. "cessation of heart-lung function, or of whole brain function, or of
higher brain function.
2. "either irreversible cessation of circulatory and respiratory
functions or irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain,
including the brain stem" - (The President's Commission for the study
of Ethical problems in Medicine and Biomedical and Behavioral
Research, US, 1983).
Signs of approaching death
1 to 3 months before death, patient is likely to:
Sleep or doze more
Eat and drink less
. Withdraw from people and stop doing things they used to
enjoy ⚫ Talk less (but if they're a child, more)
1 to 2 weeks before death, the person may feel tired and drained all
the time, so much that they don't leave their bed. They could have: .
Different sleep-wake patterns
Little appetite and thirst
Fewer and smaller bowel movements and less pee
More pain
Changes in blood pressure, breathing, and heart rate Body
temperature ups and downs that may leave their skin
9. a. what are the signs of approaching death.
b. discuss nursing care of a dying patient.
Death is defined as:
1. "cessation of heart-lung function, or of whole brain function, or of
higher brain function.
2. "either irreversible cessation of circulatory and respiratory
functions or irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain,
including the brain stem" - (The President's Commission for the study
of Ethical problems in Medicine and Biomedical and Behavioral
Research, US, 1983).
Signs of approaching death
1 to 3 months before death, patient is likely to:
Sleep or doze more
Eat and drink less
. Withdraw from people and stop doing things they used to
enjoy ⚫ Talk less (but if they're a child, more)
1 to 2 weeks before death, the person may feel tired and drained all
the time, so much that they don't leave their bed. They could have: .
Different sleep-wake patterns
Little appetite and thirst
Fewer and smaller bowel movements and less pee
More pain
Changes in blood pressure, breathing, and heart rate Body
temperature ups and downs that may leave their skin
