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Case Study: Imminent Death Syndrome

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Imminent death syndrome
Benito Rodriguez
Miami Dade College

Imminent death syndrome
Everybody is different, different fingerprints, different iris, different genes, personality, gifts, talents, and also a different death. Nobody dies the same way, this is another difference, so here is a collection of experiences when impending death is present. Nurses are the ones to take care of those who are at the end of life. It is a sad privilege to share with their families when this crucial moment comes. It is a privilege, because nurses have the education, experience and dedication to help during this transitional period.
Dignity is a distinguishing concept that only human beings have. This concept goes with us until the
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Increased sleeping, incontinence, restlessness, decreased socialization, emotional changes, increased temperature, dysphagia, visions, coma and surge of energy (Kehi et al, 2008)
Another particular sign described is palmar petechiae, or black spots on palms in terminally ill patients with cancer. This is a sign that appears few days before death. The laboratory confirms normal platelet count and no other skin lesion in any other area, just the palms and fingers. Palm petequiae are bilateral and sudden appearance. This is not result from injury, thermal, or mechanical stimulation and are less than 2 mm in diameter like a pinhead size (Shinjo & Okada, 2010, p.
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Some wouldn’t quit and are active until the last days because their enthusiasm and their will for life make a difference. Others are affected by prognosis, events and circumstances that allow them to even know the day they are going to die. Some are waiting for a loved one to pass (Dendaas, 2002). The loss of privacy and dignity has a great impact on a psychological concern to the patient when they move from independence to dependency often creates a feeling of being a burden to others. Subsequent lowered self-esteem can intensify physical pain, aloneness, depletion of energy, helplessness and hopelessness (Guido, 2010,

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