The terminal phase

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>This chapter examines the common clinical challenges present during the physical final days of life and outlines supportive strategies for healthcare professionals, families, and caregivers. It details the management of prevalent symptoms, including pain, respiratory secretions, agitation, breathlessness, nausea/vomiting, and seizures. The text emphasises core priorities for care, such as anticipatory prescribing, prudent deprescribing, the switch to non-oral routes of medication, and the integral provision of psychological, social, and spiritual support. The terminal phase is characterised by an irreversible, day-to-day decline in strength, appetite, and consciousness. This progression may be gradual over weeks or more sudden following an acute event. Typically, however, predictable in its course but not time, it represents a final common pathway for many progressive conditions, necessitating a proactive, compassionate, and comfort-oriented approach to care.</jats:p>