Questions:

When you go to assess Mrs Georges, what aspects of her recent deterioration and current status will assist the team to identify that she may dying?
The team have recognised that Mrs Georges is now in the terminal phase of her illness. She has developed high fevers. Is there a role for antibiotics?
Mrs Georges’ son arrives and is concerned that she is not able to eat or drink. He asks, ‘Is my mother starving to death? Is she uncomfortable because she is not drinking? Can we give her some food and fluid in a drip?’ What would be your approach to discussing these issues with him? What can you learn from the literature regarding how to respond to these types of questions.
You come to review Mrs Georges’ symptoms 24 hours later and you notice she has respiratory secretions. What non-pharmacological and pharmacological strategies would you suggest; and what is the evidence that guides this?
What conversation would the treating team have with the family about the secretions?