Although these side-effects are not desired, the medications are necessary to control the pain or agitation and help keep the patient comfortable. When the patient has not been taking in fluids for days, or has been taking in such small amounts that dehydration is setting in, the blood pressure drops lower and lower as a natural part of the dying process. The other action taken in hospitals to save patients whose blood pressure is dropping dangerously low, is to give fluids. Getting fluid into a dying patient may cause serious problems and discomfort if the patient cannot handle more fluid. For example, the lungs may be filling up with fluid and giving more fluid can make the problem much worse.
Death is a natural part of the life cycle.
However, there are exceptions when a few hours longer will make all the difference. Some families who knew that their loved one was actively dying and knew that a relative was traveling from afar, have given strong coffee to the patient in order to bring the blood pressure back up a little. In those circumstances where a few hours or one day can make all the difference, some families have found coffee to be of great help.