When death is imminent - within days or hours:
Your loved one may not want food or drink.
There may be little or no bladder or bowel activity.
Pain may show as grimaces, groans, or scowls and should be managed.
Eyes may tear or become glazed.
If not already unconscious, your loved one may drift in and out of consciousness. It's important to continue talking to your loved one and holding his or her hand since he or she probably can still hear and feel.
Pulse and heart beat may be irregular or difficult to detect.
Body temperature will drop and the skin of the knees, feet, and hands will become a mottled bluish-purple. Once the mottling starts, death often occurs within 24 hours.
Breathing, punctuated by gasping starts and stops, will slow until it stops entirely.