"pre-active" vs. "active"

[mc3, ASN, RN]

I obviously know what active dying is...however, different nurses I've come across use the term "pre-active" and I'm confused as to what they mean. Can someone pls enlighten me? For example, if someone is "pre-active", can they be alert and eating 100%??

Thanks,

mc3

[aimeee, BSN, RN]

Our convention is that when the more definite signs of dying (mottling, unresponsiveness, terminal congestion, apnea) are observed we would call it "active dying". When we are seeing some of the earlier signs such as "seeing" loved ones in the room who died long ago, restlessness and agitation, sleeping most of the time, rapid loss of strength...then we will call it "pre-active." This page from Mayo clinic is in line with my interpretation of the terms:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cancer/CA00048