Difficult choices as death nears. As the changes described in this article develop in the final days or hours of a progressive terminal illness, difficult choices may arise. There may be questions about whether to provide food and fluids, receive blood transfusions, or treat infections.
The use of mercury in thermometers dates back hundreds of years. It was widely used because it reliably expands and contracts with changes in temperatures. It is highly poisonous, however, and can enter the body through the respiratory or digestive tracts, or directly through the skin.
If you have a digital thermometer, it will tell you when it's done. If you are using an old mercury thermometer, the thermometer must stay under the tongue for at least a minute to 2 minutes.NOTE: Mercury thermometers are being phased out. The mercury inside is highly toxic and you should dispose of all mercury thermometers by taking them to a recycling center that handles that.f you have a digital thermometer, it will tell you when it's done. If you are using an old mercury thermometer, the thermometer must stay under the tongue for at least a minute to 2 minutes. NOTE: Mercury thermometers are being phased out.