Impending death question....

Published

Specializes in Geriatrics.

I have worked in LTC as a CNA for 18 years before I became a nurse, so I have seen many people die. my co-workers and I always took notice to the person's nose. It always seemed to get crooked a few days before they passed away. The first time I was told about this I thought "whatever" that is just an old tale. But the more I paid attention to it the more I realized that it seemed to be true. Has anyone else ever heard of such a thing or noticed this themselves??

My grandfather is dying and we finally got hospice care for him! What a wonderful blessing!! I just happened to think of this because my mom just went up to visit him and she said he looked really strange and his nose was crooked and turning to the right! Does anyone know the reasoning for this, if it is in fact true??

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i'm a hospice nurse and over the years, i've noticed many things; probably enough to write a book.

but i haven't noticed any changes in pts' noses. not to say it doesn't happen. now you'll know what my new focus is, lol.

my thoughts are with your grandfather.

be well.

leslie

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in HH/LTC/WM.

I have never looked at the nose, but I will next time. I have noticed the ears stick out more when they are getting ready to pass. Someone told me that too and I didnt believe them until I saw it for myself. Sorry about your grandpa.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

Well, I've seen a lot of people pass on, but this is the first I've ever heard about their noses doing strange things! I just lost a resident this week, and other than the usual body shrinkage and waxy skin color that set in just prior to death, I didn't notice anything unusual. Now, of course, I'm gonna have to see what happens to the person's nose the next time we have a celestial transfer..........how weird is that?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The crooked nose one is a new one- I'll have to watch out for it. What I have seen nose-wise is that white-ish triangle around the mouth and nose before people pass on- that seems to happen quite often.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER/ MEDICAL ICU / CCU/OB-GYN /CORRECTION.

Perhaps the changing of the facies noted -- nose and ears -- are due to dehydration and loss of muscle tone and subtle weight loss thus the bitemperol areas would prominate the ears and the loss of facial muscles and decreased arterial and venous saturation due to body failure prior to death would give a nasal distortion.

I sure do not know the answer however this explaination makes sense to me --

I am sure interested in other professional answers and would like a hospice expert opinion

Marc

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in HH/LTC/WM.
Perhaps the changing of the facies noted -- nose and ears -- are due to dehydration and loss of muscle tone and subtle weight loss thus the bitemperol areas would prominate the ears and the loss of facial muscles and decreased arterial and venous saturation due to body failure prior to death would give a nasal distortion.

I sure do not know the answer however this explaination makes sense to me --

I am sure interested in other professional answers and would like a hospice expert opinion

Marc

LOL Thats a nurse right there. Broke it down the right way. NICE! I also have noticed that usually with the ears they are wearing O2 usually the last couple of days which combined with what was said above (not going to try to compete with that) could add to the ear explanation

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion