Welcome Overview Pain Management Symptom Management Common Symptoms: Bowel Management Nausea and Vomiting Fatigue Fatigue Terminal Phase Changing Awareness Withdrawal Pain Altered Elimination Respiratory Changes Agitation or Restlessness Signs of Impending Death Caregiver Support
		The Terminal Phase of Illness Altered Elimination The body begins the process of gradually shutting down its usual functions as part of this terminal phase of the illness. Urinary output decreases due to decreased intake and a shunting of the blood away from the kidneys to the brain and heart. Assess for bladder distension and treat underlying causes if appropriate. Constipation may continue to be a problem, or become a new symptom at this stage. Assessment is needed to determine if the lack of stool is a sequelae of decreased intake and a slowing of peristalsis, or if treatment is necessary. No passage of stool for three or four days in the terminal phase of the illness may be normal.