A practical nurse is preparing to provide post-mortem care for a client who has just been pronounced dead. The client's family is in the waiting room and has requested to view the body before it is transported to the morgue. In what order should the nurse perform the following actions? (Arrange the items in the correct chronological sequence from first to last.)
- 1Verify the medical record for autopsy requirements or organ donation status.
- 2Elevate the head of the bed and position a small pillow under the client's head.
- 3Remove all medical equipment, intravenous lines, and indwelling tubes.
- 4Wash the client's body, place a clean gown, and insert their dentures.
- 5Dim the room lights, provide chairs, and invite the family into the room.
Answer
The correct sequence is: Verify autopsy status, elevate the head of the bed, remove medical lines, wash the body and insert dentures, and finally invite the family to view the body.
Post-mortem care follows a strict prioritization sequence to ensure legal compliance, preserve the client's dignity, and support the grieving family. The nurse must first verify autopsy and organ donation status to ensure medical evidence is not destroyed (such as prematurely removing tubes on a coroner's case). Next, elevating the head of the bed is a physiological priority to prevent facial discoloration. After clearing legal requirements, tubes are removed, and the body is cleansed and prepped (including inserting dentures to maintain natural facial shape). Only after the environment and body are fully prepared should the family be invited to view the deceased.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Post-Mortem Care Sequence