A practical nurse is preparing to provide post-mortem care for a client who has just died. The family is in the waiting room and wishes to view the body. Arrange the following nursing actions in the correct sequence from first to last.
- 1Elevate the head of the bed and place the client in a supine position.
- 2Close the client's eyes and maintain normal alignment of the mouth.
- 3Wash any soiled areas of the body and place a clean gown on the client.
- 4Invite the family members into the room to view the body.
Answer
The correct sequence is to first elevate the head of the bed, then close the client's eyes and mouth, wash soiled areas and apply a clean gown, and finally invite the family to view the body.
Post-mortem care requires a methodical approach to maintain the client's dignity and prepare the body for family viewing. Elevating the head is the immediate priority to prevent facial discoloration from blood pooling. Closing the eyes and mouth must be done next before rigor mortis sets in. Once the body is positioned and set, the nurse cleanses the body and applies clean linens. Only after the body is fully prepared and the environment is tidy should the family be invited in to view their loved one.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Post-mortem care prioritizes maintaining the client's appearance, preserving dignity, and supporting the grieving family through a methodical sequence of actions.