State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) Practice Exam

Which sense is the last to diminish in a dying client?

1. Smell

2. Hearing

3. Taste

4. Sight

The correct answer is: Hearing

The sense that is last to diminish in a dying client is hearing. Research and observations suggest that individuals nearing the end of life often retain their ability to hear even when they may be unresponsive or unable to communicate. This idea is reflected in various anecdotes from healthcare professionals and caregivers who report that patients may still respond to familiar voices or sounds even as other senses decline. Understanding this is vital in providing comfort to those who are dying and ensuring that family members speak to the patient, even if the patient doesn’t seem to respond outwardly. It highlights the importance of communication and connection in end-of-life care, emphasizing the need for caregivers and loved ones to continue verbal interactions, as the patient may still be processing what is being said. In contrast, the other senses—like smell, taste, and sight—are typically diminished earlier in the dying process, making the retention of hearing particularly significant in the context of patient care during this sensitive time.