A clinical sign that a patient is close to death would be:

Correct option is A

Ans. (a) Periods of apnea and irregular respirations
Sol. As a person approaches death, Cheyne-Stokes respiration may occur — characterized by irregular breathing patterns with apnea (pauses in breathing). This is a key indicator of the body's slowing systems.
Explanation of each option:
· (a) Periods of apnea and irregular respirations – Correct answer. These are common signs indicating imminent death.
· (b) Increasing BP, pulse, respiration – Vital signs typically decline, not increase, near death.
· (c) Nausea that occurs after meals – This is not specifically associated with the dying process.
· (d) Pain well controlled with small doses of morphine – Indicates comfort, not necessarily proximity to death.