Clinical Indicators of Decline – RNAO Appendix E
Diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or congestive heart failure run a more fluctuating course and result in death in a less predictable timeframe than diseases such as renal disease or dementia. Each exacerbation can lead to remission (and future exacerbation) or death; knowing which will occur on any given admission is extremely challenging. General indicators of poorer prognosis (life expectancy of only weeks to many weeks) include poor performance status, impaired nutritional status and a low albumin level.
Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario. (2011). Appendix E of End-of-Life Care During the Last Days and Hours. Toronto, Canada: Author. pp103-105 .
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