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'''Death''' is defined by the cessation of all biological functions and is typically considered a suboptimal outcome. Patients often state their preference for ongoing life as opposed to '''death.'''
'''Symptoms'''
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It can be very challenging to elicit symptoms in a patient who has suffered from '''death'''. In fact, many of these patients look peaceful and have no complaints. Collateral history is very useful here. But be forewarned: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIh_ZLKcF7s '''death''' can be pretty sneaky].<ref>Season 2 Episode 4 "My Old Lady" (Scrubs)</ref>
'''Signs'''
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[[Vital Signs|Vital signs]] can be very telling in a patient with '''death''': temperature is room temperature or less, blood pressure is 0, heart rate is 0, respiratory rate is 0, and oxygen saturation is 0%. [[Physical Exam|Physical exam]] can be very challenging due to the patient's lack of participation.<ref>[http://gomerblog.com/2016/09/ama-holds-funeral-service-for-physical-exam/ AMA Holds Funeral Service for Physical Exam(Gomerblog)]</ref> One, however, may note in the moments preceding '''death''' a [[Death Rattle|death rattle]], [[Death Giggle|death giggle]], or both. '''Diagnosis'''----Imaging can help support the diagnosis of '''death.''' Pan-scanning provides the best use of resources.<ref>[http://gomerblog.com/2015/06/radiology-study/ Ever Wonder How Radiologists Know What Studies to Recommend? (Gomerblog)]</ref>
'''Treatment'''
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However, just because a patient has died doesn't mean they are no longer a candidate for treatment. One of the most popular treatments after death is chemotherapy.<ref>[http://gomerblog.com/2017/01/fda-approves-groundbreaking-postmortem-chemotherapy-protocol/ FDA Approves Groundbreaking Postmortem Chemotherapy Protocol(Gomerblog)]</ref> ''For more information, see [[Postmortem Chemotherapy]].'' '''Prevention'''----Tammyflu and a multivitamin.<ref>[http://gomerblog.com/2015/01/flu-treatment/ New Study Shows Tammyflu Pills Provide Eternal Life (Gomerblog)]</ref><ref>[http://gomerblog.com/2015/03/multivitamin/ New Multivitamin Cures Cancer, Heart Disease, Famine, Evil (Gomerblog)]</ref> '''Future Directions'''----Unfortunately, there have been no breakthroughs with this condition and the global '''death''' rate remains constant at 100%.<ref>[http://www.theonion.com/article/world-death-rate-holding-steady-at-100-percent-1670 World Death Rate Holding Steady At 100 Percent (The Onion)]</ref> '''Related Reading'''----* [[Bury It (Song)]]* [[Constitution]]* [[Dead, dead, dead, dead...]]* [[Dead Giveaway]]* [[Die Hard in the ICU]]* [[Die Hard with a PEG Tube]]* [[DNR]]* [[Does Palliative Care really care?]]* [[Gomer Never Dies]]* [[Half Life]]* [[Hospicillin]]* [[McDonald's]]* [[Morgue Rounds]]* [[Mortality Rate]]* [[Natural Born Killer Cells]]* [[The O Sign]]* [[Organ Donation]]* [[Pork Chop]]* [[The Q Sign]]* [[Postmortem Chemotherapy]]* [[Sudden-Death Overtime]]* [[What is a good name for my anatomy cadaver?]]
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[[Category:Medical TerminologyPhrases & Expressions]][[Category:Pathology]][[Category:Internal Medicine]][[Category:Emergency Medicine]][[Category:Palliative Care & Hospice]]