Difference between revisions of "Death"

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[[File:Crossbones (PSF).png|400px|thumb|right]]
 
 
 
'''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.'''
 
'''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.'''
  
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'''Symptoms'''
 
'''Symptoms'''
 
----
 
----
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>
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It can be very challenging eliciting symptoms in patient who has suffered from '''death'''.  Collateral history is very useful here.
  
  
 
'''Signs'''
 
'''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.
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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 can be very challenging due to the patient's lack of participation.   
 
 
 
 
'''Diagnosis'''
 
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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'''
 
'''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]].''
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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]</ref>  ''For more information, see [[Postmortem Chemotherapy]].''
 
 
 
 
'''Prevention'''
 
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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'''
 
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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'''
 
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* [[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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<references />
 
<references />
  
[[Category:Phrases & Expressions]]
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[[Category:Medical Terminology]]
[[Category:Pathology]]
 
[[Category:Internal Medicine]]
 
[[Category:Emergency Medicine]]
 
[[Category:Palliative Care & Hospice]]
 

Revision as of 10:13, 29 January 2017

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


It can be very challenging eliciting symptoms in patient who has suffered from death. Collateral history is very useful here.


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 can be very challenging due to the patient's lack of participation.


Treatment


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.[1] For more information, see Postmortem Chemotherapy.


References


  1. FDA Approves Groundbreaking Postmortem Chemotherapy Protocol


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