AboutMargot RN BScN CGN Expertise I nursed my own Mother and Grandmother at home when they were dying so I have personal experience with the emotions involved. I have also spent the last 15+ years as a Registered Nurse caring for The Elderly and Terminally Ill and it has brought me great satisfaction. I am willing to answer any questions I can.
Experience
Past/Present clients Hundreds of Long Term Care Residents as well as hundreds of Cleitns and families in the community (including my Mother and Grandmother).
Question My brother-in-law is 30 years old. He has been on life support for 2 weeks with ARDS. His liver is failing and as of today, his kidneys have failed (NO urine output in 24 hours. Renal failure confirmed by his doctors). His blood presure today was 70/20 and his heart rate is 112.
How long can a person survive like this? Or is death imminent (as in hours?). We all know he is dying, he has a health care proxy and living will and DNR orders.
Thank you for any information.
Answer Hello Christina,
Each person's death is different, most people with the symptoms you described will pass away within 72 hours - although some can go in a matter of hours and others can linger for weeks, it depends on many factors including age, disease, medications, previous health, etc.
I hope this answers your question, my thoughts are with you.
