Physical Manifestations at End of Life
Physical Manifestations at End of Life https://urgentcarenearmetx.com/wp-content/themes/corpus/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg 150 150 Tony Guo Tony Guo https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/aa9bbdf8f1e6bbf534778ecea7c0c925?s=96&d=mm&r=g- Tony Guo
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Physical Manifestations at End of Life
- Metabolism is decreased
- Body gradually slows down until all function ends
- Respiration generally ceases first
- Heart stops beating within a few minutes
- Respiratory System
- Cheyne-Stokes respiration (pattern of breathing characterized by alternating periods of apnea and deep, rapid breathing.)
- Inability to cough or clear secretions
- Grunting, gurgling, or noisy congested breathing (“death rattle”)
- Irregular breathing that gradually slows down to terminal gasps
- Sensory System- Hearing and Touch
- Hearing is usually last sense to disappear
- Decreased sensation
- Decreased perception of pain and touch
- Sensory System – Taste, Smell, and Sight
- Blurring of vision
- Blink reflex absent
- Patient appears to stare
- Eyelids remain half-open
- Decreased sense of taste and smell
- Integumentary System
- Mottling on hands, feet, arms, and legs
- Cold, clammy skin
- Cyanosis of nose, nail beds, knees
- “Wax-like” skin when very near death
- Urinary System
- Gradual decrease in urinary output
- Incontinent of urine
- Unable to urinate
- Gastrointestinal System
- Slowing of digestive tract and possible cessation of function
- Accumulation of gas
- Distention and nausea
- Loss of sphincter control
- Bowel movement may occur before imminent death or at the time of death
- Musculoskeletal System
- Gradual loss of ability to move
- Trouble holding body posture and alignment
- Loss of facial muscle tone
- Sagging of jaw
- Difficulty speaking
- Loss of gag reflex
- Swallowing can become more difficult
- Gradual loss of ability to move
- Cardiovascular System
- Increased heart rate; Later slowing and weakening of pulse
- Irregular rhythm
- Decreased BP
- Delayed absorption of IM or SQ drugs
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