[Beyond thirst: dehydration in the palliative phase].

Abstract

Dehydration in patients in the final stage of life requires a multidimensional approach.The appropriateness of a particular intervention depends not only on clinical factors and medical-technical possibilities, but also on ethical, spiritual, and psychosocial considerations. These aspects all contribute to the decision whether or not to initiate diagnostic procedures or treatment for an individual patient.This clinical lesson presents a fictional case to illustrate the key considerations involved in decision-making, as outlined in the new guideline Dehydration in the Palliative Phase.