DEHYDRATION - BURDEN OR BENEFIT TO THE DYING PATIENT

Significant numbers of patients die each year from malignant disease. The question of whether or not to administer artificial hydration ther apy to the patient who is in the last few days of life has been discus sed for some time. Some health care professionals contend that a reduc ed fluid intake, which often accompanies the dying process, may result in a potentially painful and distressing state of dehydration, requir ing preventative measures of fluid replacement therapy. In contrast, o ther clinicians suggest that artificial hydration is often of no prove n benefit in the context of the dying and may impose additional physic al and psychological burdens on the patient. This paper investigates t he advantages and disadvantages of artificial hydration therapies in t erms of the symptom distress experienced by the terminally ill cancer patient. Its aim is to promote discussion about this vital aspect of p atient care.