L5.7: Care at the Time of Death

• Care at the time of Death

  ● Dying is a process.

  ● When a person dies, there is a cascade of events that is collectively known as the Dying process.

  ● It is the cessation of physical, psychological, social, and spiritual life here on earth.

  ● As health care providers, it is our obligation to facilitate our patients’ wishes regarding their care preferences at the end of life.
• Phases of Dying

  ● There are four phases of dying:

  1. Actively Dying
  2. Transitioning
  3. Imminent
  4. The Death
• Actively Dying

  ● It begins with sedation and lethargy accompanied by restlessness and confusion that often progresses to unpleasant hallucinations and delirium.
• Transitioning

  ● Withdrawal from the physical world around them in preparation for their final journey.
• Imminent

  ● The body is in the process of shutting down.
• The Death

  ● Circulation of the blood and respiration stops once there is a cessation of heart beat.