Why is a terminal client’s mouth often open, according to nursing knowledge?

A terminal client’s mouth is often open primarily due to reduced muscle tone that relaxes the jaw muscles. As the body nears the end of life, various physiological changes occur, one of which is the decrease in muscle strength and tone throughout the body, including the muscles responsible for jaw closure. This relaxation can lead to the mouth falling open, which is a common manifestation in patients who are actively dying.

Understanding this is crucial for nursing practice, as it reflects the changes in the body during the dying process. This knowledge can guide care, ensuring comfort for the patient. While attention to the aesthetics of the patient’s appearance may involve consideration of the mouth position, the primary focus should remain on providing comfort and dignity in the final stages of life.

While there are options that suggest interventions or convey a sense of dismissiveness about the condition, the key factor rests in acknowledging and understanding the physiological changes occurring at this stage rather than solely seeking to alter the appearance or worrying unduly about it.