Temp and dying....

Published

Specializes in Geriatrics.

Is it true that the body's temp increases the closer the person is to death?? I always thought it was the opposite. For those of you that have followed my posts my grandfather is on the last step of his journey. The hospice nurse was just in to see him and his temp is 108. She said not to worry, and he is resting comfortabley (sp?). Just wondering if that is normal in the dying process.

I thank all you wonderful hopsice nurses, you truly are a blessing to many people!!

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have seen temps go up some, with high heart rates, and declining BP's.

My thoughts are with you at this time.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
luvmy2angels said:
Is it true that the body's temp increases the closer the person is to death?? I always thought it was the opposite.

many pts spike temps secondary to dehydration.

yet as the circulation shuts down the periphery tends to get cool.

my prayers remain for a peaceful transition.

leslie

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Theatre.

One of the most difficult things to do is to go through the waiting time when a loved one is dying. We like to look for signs that the end is near, yet death has its own journey. I pray that you will be at peace during this time.

Jo

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER/ MEDICAL ICU / CCU/OB-GYN /CORRECTION.
nambour51 said:
One of the most difficult things to do is to go through the waiting time when a loved one is dying. We like to look for signs that the end is near, yet death has its own journey. I pray that you will be at peace during this time.

That is so true and equally difficult for me has been to give up the medical role that I am for others and allow myself simply to be a relative and person in need of being comforted.

You are in my thoughts

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg, Rehab, MRDD, Home Health.

Probably a little late here but for reference; body temperature does frequently increase as a result of dehydration and/or possible infection. You'll get different opinions, but I intervene with an increased body temperature, because increase body temperature will increase respirations and discomfort.

Using cooling techniques, environmental and cool compresses, and Tylenol (suppository if not swallowing) may be effective to decrease symptoms and decrease dependence on benzos and narcs for symptom management and make the caregiver feel more in control which is very important.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in cardiac/education.

My prayers and thoughts are with you.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatrics.

Thanks everyone for your tremendous amount of support. I forgot to update this thread. My grandpa passed away peacefully on June 14th (my dad's birthday). It was a blessing that he was finally able to go home to be with the Lord. I thank all of you hospice nurses. You are a wonderful group of caring individuals. I have been seriously thinking about volunteering through our local hospice (they won't hire LPNs). I think end of life care is so important, not only for the patient but to be there to support the family as well. Thanks, and God bless each and every one of you!!

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Very sorry about your grandpa. Death stinks. In the 80's the British actually studied the death process. I think the man's name was Twycross. Decreased and altered blood flow seemed to cause the persons internal thermostat (hypothalmus) to cause the core temp to rise. The same decreased altered blood flow seemed to cause the peripheral circulation decrease to supply more blood to vital organs and extremities so they get cooler. Some treat, some don't. I do discourage the used of ice packs.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/CCU, Peds, DD's, Hospice.

My patient just passed last night after struggling for 3 days straight in excruciating pain with CA of the spine; her last temp was 107.5. The SNF nurse wanted to get a suppository, it's a nurses natural inclination... but the last 2 times I tried to reposition her for comfort, she had a grand mal... so I wasn't going to manipulate her for a suppository, I was gently trying to explain the dying process and dehydration and elevated temp... also, with her neurological metastasis, the spike could be a result of hypothal. involvement... anywho, while we were at the med cart, my CHHA came out to let us know she had died. So I'm rationalizing that an elevated temp preceeds death? May she find peace

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Tele/ICU/MedSurg/Peds/SubAcute/LTC/Alz.

All of these posts are all so familiar to me. I haven't been a nurse a year, still a learning process.

Today, was the first day I have ever seen someone I take care of die.

All of what you said has made me feel better. Making my patient feel comfortable is inevitable. Repositioning, keeping a normal temperature, keeping normal respirations, talking and comforting them, hydration, nutrition, and pain free are great points. Did I forget anything?

Thanks so much!!!

:bowingpur

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in hospice.

I have seen a gradual increased temp the closer to death as well as a normal temp that drastically spikes minutes before death. This is caused by the hypothalmus shutting down and is a normal part of the disease progression. I do not believe that the patient feels this temp rise, however..the only way to really tell any discomfort at that end of life is by the respirations. I treat for respirations and other resp distress. I do not treat for the temp aside from a cool washrag on the forehead. Giving a tylenol suppos to treat a fever of 105 will do one of two things...either nothing, or drop the temp shortly to maybe 104. Plus the fact that the patient has had another invasive procedure with no real beneficial outcome. However, yes...you will recieve many different ideas and comments of how to treat end of life.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion