A 92-year-old woman with a CFS of 8 has been gradually declining over 3 months. She has stopped eating and is taking only sips of fluid. She has end-s...

Question

A 92-year-old woman with a CFS of 8 has been gradually declining over 3 months. She has stopped eating and is taking only sips of fluid. She has end-stage dementia with recurrent infections. Her family asks the GP: 'Is she dying?' Which clinical indicators would BEST suggest she is in the last days of life?

Accepted Answer

Becoming bedbound, semi-conscious, unable to swallow medication, and showing Cheyne-Stokes breathing pattern

Answer

Improving appetite and increasing mobility

Answer

Stable vital signs and regular bowel movements

Answer

Ability to engage in conversation

Answer

New interest in surroundings

uk-dgm MCQ (SBA): Recognising Dying - Clinical Indicators