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End of Life Nutrition & Hydration


The role of nutrition and hydration near end of life can be a controversial issue for many people.

When an individual is near the end of life, families may feel concerned about the effects of decreased or absent food and fluid intake.

As healthy individuals, we experience sensations related to hunger and thirst as signals from our bodies that nutrients and fluids are needed to maintain energy levels and promote normal functioning of our cells, tissues and organs. One may automatically assume that these sensations continue to be experienced at the end of life, and that the lack of food and fluids causes pain and discomfort.

“Starvation” and dehydration are viewed as cruel ways to die, and interventions such as intravenous fluids and tube feedings can create uncertainty and disagreements among individuals, families and medical professionals.

Most people would agree that they want to be comfortable at the end of life, and physical comfort is usually a primary concern. Physical comfort or discomfort can be related to food/fluid intake.

During the dying process, a loss of appetite is a normal occurrence as the body naturally begins to slow down. As our body systems (such as the digestive, circulatory, respiratory and muscular systems) use fewer nutrients, sensations of hunger decrease. The ability to swallow food may become difficult or impaired, which leads to discomfort when attempting to eat, as well as an increased risk of aspiration (food particles getting into the lungs instead of the digestive system). Aspiration can result in the development of pneumonia. Additional unpleasant physical symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation, may also occur.

Food intake may serve only to aggravate these symptoms. As saliva production decreases, the sensation of taste may be altered. This change can reduce an individual’s desire to eat. Nutrition provided via a feeding tube may not improve symptom control or even lengthen life as the body may not be capable of absorbing or using the nutrients.

At the end of life, the focus of food intake should be for the enjoyment of the individual, and not for the purpose of nutrition. Small portions of favorite foods as requested by the individual are the most effective method of giving comfort in this manner.

Another misperception at the end of life is that the lack of sufficient fluid intake can cause discomfort. While thirst is an indicator of the body’s need for fluids, at the end of life, the sensation of thirst is more often associated with a dry mouth.

Frequent mouth care can help alleviate this symptom. Avoid using flavored swabs as they may be irritating to sensitive tissues in the mouth. If the individual is on oxygen, use lip balm that isn’t petroleum based. Artificial saliva can help prevent a dry mouth. Individuals who are conscious and not at risk of aspiration may enjoy ice chips. As the body begins to naturally dry out, watch for dryness of the eyes. Artificial tears, eye lubricant, and moist washcloths over the eyes can help promote comfort.

When oral intake is poor or not recommended, the use of intravenous fluids may be thought of as a method of preventing dehydration. In a dying individual, intravenous fluids may cause more harm than good.

Initially there is the discomfort and potential for infection related to maintaining an access to administer the fluids. As organ function decreases, the body may be unable to effectively process the fluids. Swelling in the arms, legs, and even the trunk may result. Intravenous fluids will increase the amount of secretions an individual has, resulting in coughing spells and/or shortness of breath.

Fluids will also cause the bladder to fill. Fatigue and physical pain may make toileting difficult, or the individual may be incontinent and experience discomfort with the frequent skin care needed to prevent breakdown. A catheter may take care of the incontinence issue, but is another potential source of infection, in addition to the discomfort experienced with its insertion.

When allowed to dry out naturally, normal chemical changes in the body and brain may produce a mild euphoria and improve an individual’s comfort level. This euphoria may allow for lower doses of narcotics or other medications to be used. Reducing the side effect of increased sedation will allow for more quality time with loved ones. Does dehydration still sound cruel?

When considering the physical and psychosocial issues associated with food and fluid intake, bear in mind that the body’s inability to process food and fluids at the end of life is the result of advanced age, a disease process or a traumatic injury. One or a combination of these three conditions becomes the cause of death, not dehydration or malnutrition.

The use of tube feedings and intravenous fluids may give an individual a little more time on this Earth, but at what price? Individuals, families and health-care providers benefit from open and honest discussions about personal preferences for care, preferably prior to an end of life situation https://keystoneelderlaw.com/advance-care-directive-promotes-free-will/.

Not all situations are black or white, however, and sometimes the end of life is unpredictable. Education about the potential risks and benefits associated with food and fluid intake can help you be better prepared in case difficult decisions are needed for yourself or a loved one https://americanhospice.org/caregiving/artificial-nutrition-and-hydration-at-the-end-of-life-beneficial-or-harmful/.

Karen Kaslow, RN, BSN

Note: This article is a reprint of the original one posted in 2014.