Answer :
Final answer:
Common changes in body systems when death is imminent include alterations in circulatory, respiratory, digestive, renal, urinary, and neurological functions. These coincide with Kübler-Ross' psychological stages of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, and are influenced by individual and cultural beliefs.
Explanation:
When death is imminent, various body systems undergo significant changes. The circulatory system may slow, leading to decreased blood pressure and irregular heartbeat. The respiratory system often shows a pattern known as Cheyne-Stokes respiration, with periods of rapid breaths followed by periods of no breathing. The digestive system's activity diminishes, potentially causing nausea and decreased appetite. Renal and urinary systems may fail, resulting in reduced urine output or incontinence. Neurologically, there can be a decreased level of consciousness or agitation. On a cellular level, the body may no longer maintain homeostasis, leading to systemic failure.
These physical changes are often accompanied by psychological and emotional processes as detailed in Elisabeth Kübler-Ross' stages of grieving, which include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Each individual's experience of these stages can vary widely. The end of life might also be approached through various cultural traditions and personal beliefs that shape an individual's or a community's view of death.
