This Publication Is Searchable The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy Section 21. Special Subjects Chapter 294. Helping a patient and family find comfort in the experience of dying is often more important than adhering to medical routines or correcting symptomless physiologic abnormalities. Distressing symptoms, however, should be prevented or relieved as effectively as possible.
People differ in what they consider important, especially when facing death.
Often, the time and manner of death allows a satisfying close. Others are unable to accept their imminent mortality and avoid such closure. For some, life is to be prolonged, even at the cost of pain, marked confusion, or severe respiratory distress. The patient's preferences are paramount in planning care. A patient who fears dementia more than death should be treated differently from one who cherishes every moment of life, regardless of its quality.