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.
Symptoms
It can be very challenging to elicit symptoms in a 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.[1]
Prevention
Tammyflu and a multivitamin.[2][3]
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.[4] For more information, see Postmortem Chemotherapy.
Future Directions
Unfortunately, there have been no breakthroughs with this condition and the global death rate remains constant at 100%.[5]
References