Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings
Published on: November 9, 2016
Dehydration in terminally ill patients. Is it appropriate palliative care?
M Andrews1, E R Bell, S A Smith
1Hospice Unit, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
Abstract:
Technological advances in artificial feeding and intravenous hydration play an important role in preserving life and facilitating patient recovery. In terminally ill patients, however, many hospice workers have observed that discontinuing artificial nutrition and hydration is more beneficial. This article presents three case reports from a hospice setting that demonstrate the palliative benefits of dehydration. The authors discuss possible physiologic explanations for observed dehydration-related phenomena and offer guidelines for determining when it is appropriate to decrease or discontinue nutritional support and hydration by artificial means.
Related Concept Videos
Continuing Care
Disorder of Water Balance
Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when the body loses fluids (particularly water).
Causes:
The major causes of dehydration include excessive sweating, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and diuresis.
Signs and Symptoms:
Symptoms primarily include intense...
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
Peritoneal Dialysis III: Nursing Management
Hemodialysis III: Nursing Management
Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care
