15 Signs Hospice Nurses Notice When Someone Is Near the End

As the end draws near, hospice nurses often notice that urine becomes darker, more concentrated, and less frequent. Eventually, output may decrease dramatically or stop. This usually means the kidneys are receiving less blood flow and are no longer filtering fluid the same way. Families may be surprised by how little the person urinates, but this is a common sign of the body conserving what it has left. Nurses keep an eye out for signs of discomfort, bladder fullness, or skin irritation. They may also explain that reduced urine output often appears alongside lower intake and increasing sleep.