Dying

Final process of life Dying is the final stage of life which will eventually lead to death. Diagnosing dying is a complex process of clinical decision-making, and most practice checklists facilitating this diagnosis are based on cancer diagnoses. Dying is a two-stage process in which clinical death occurs when a heart stops beating, and biological death occurs when brain cells start to die from a lack of oxygen. Signs of dying The National Cancer Institute in the United States advises that the presence of some of the following signs may indicate that death is approaching: Drowsiness, increased sleep, and/or unresponsiveness (caused by changes in the patient's metabolism). Confusion about time, place, and/or identity of loved ones; restlessness; visions of people and places that are not present; pulling at bed linens or clothing (caused in part by changes in the patient's metabolism). Decreased socialization and withdrawal (caused by decreased oxygen to the brain, decreased blood flow, and mental preparation for dying). Decreased need for food and fluids, and loss of appetite (caused by the body's need to conserve energy and its decreasing ability to use food and fluids properly). L