Final answer:
In the 24 to 48 hours before death, patients may exhibit symptoms including nausea, vomiting, possible cyanosis, confusion, and physiological changes such as weakness. The Kübler-Ross model also indicates an emotional journey through stages of grief including denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These reactions differ from person to person and may affect their perception and acceptance of death.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patients who are approaching the end of their life may experience a variety of symptoms 24 to 48 hours before death. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration, and changes in blood pressure and heart rate. There might also be physical changes such as possible cherry-red skin or cyanosis, and neurological signs like confusion and seizures preceding death. Metabolic acidosis is another serious condition that may occur. Emotional and psychological symptoms, based on the Kübler-Ross model, include stages such as denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, through which a person may navigate upon facing their mortality.
Patient experiences can also involve physiological changes like blurred vision, difficulty swallowing and breathing, and weakness. The Kübler-Ross model further explains that individuals react differently to the prospect of death, with some possibly exhibiting an inability to face minor stress, leading to crises and potentially hastening death. This adaptive coping mechanism can influence the person's ability to face death with dignity. People's emotional reactions, such as regarding death as a loss or a natural transition, also play a significant role in the dying process.