However, suctioning should be avoided because it is uncomfortable for patients and may only increase secretions. Turning patients on their sides or elevating their heads may also ease breathing. Morphine is commonly used for severe shortness of breath. Although uninformed nurses may be reluctant to give narcotics and anxiolytics that may be respiratory depressants, nurses with hospice experience have learned to titrate these medications to slow rapid breathing and counter panic. No two patients deal with impending death the same way.
Responses range from acceptance to suicide.
Life may take on a whole new meaning as patients rush to settle their affairs, trying to pack as much activity as possible into what time they have left. Others may become withdrawn, anxious, or depressed, using denial to cope. Some patients may believe that they are being deserted, mourning the loss of everything that defines them in a sort of anticipatory grief that may encompass family members as well. There are no universal right or wrong words to say or things to do for dying patients. Just the presence of another person is often a great comfort to counter the fear of being left alone.