Which option is NOT a sign of imminent death?

• A. Restlessness
• B. Cold and mottled extremities
• C. Decreased urine output
• D. Fever

Answer: (D)

In the approach to death, the body shows signs of systems winding down. Restlessness can occur from delirium or metabolic changes as the brain and body become less able to maintain normal function. Cold and mottled extremities reflect reduced blood flow to the skin as circulation slows and the body's-perfusion shifts toward core organs. Decreased urine output happens when kidney perfusion declines and fluid balance shifts as the body shuts down.

Fever, on the other hand, is not a reliable or typical sign that death is near. It usually points to an infection or inflammatory process, which may or may not be present in the dying process. So fever isn’t considered a direct indicator that imminent death is approaching, unlike the other signs described.