Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 16, 2025
Author Spotlight: Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Gastric Content Assessment and Risk Stratification in Perioperative Care
Published on: September 22, 2023
Hydration Volume Is Associated with Development of Death Rattle in Patients with Abdominal Cancer
Naosuke Yokomichi1, Tatsuya Morita2, Takashi Yamaguchi3,4
1Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan.
Abstract:
Death rattle occurs frequently in dying patients with malignancies. The association the between hydration volume and death rattle development is controversial. A secondary analysis using data from two multicenter prospective observational studies, including a total of 471 consecutive advanced cancer patients. Of these, we analyzed patients with abdominal malignancies. The association of an artificial hydration volume one week before death with the development of death rattle 48 hours before death was evaluated with the adjustment of potential confounders using the propensity score-weighting method. We analyzed 300 patients. The prevalence of death rattle was significantly higher in those receiving artificial hydration >500 mL/day than those receiving ≤500 mL/day (23.1% vs. 13.6%, respectively; adjusted odds ratio: 2.56; 95% confidence interval: 1.37-4.80; p = 0.0036). The hydration volume might be associated with death rattle development in patients with abdominal malignancies. Volume reduction may alleviate or prevent death rattle.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Acute Respiratory Failure-IV
01:29Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:
01:20Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
01:25Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation
The abdominal examination is a cornerstone of clinical medicine, serving as a critical tool in diagnosing various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. It involves a systematic approach that includes inspection and auscultation, each with distinct yet complementary roles in assessing the abdomen. This article will delve into these two primary methods healthcare professionals use to examine the abdomen.
Inspection of the Abdomen
The first step in any abdominal examination is inspection....
01:31Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:
01:23Assessment of Respiration
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like...