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Difficulty: MediumEnd of Life Care

A client has recently passed away on a medical-surgical unit. The provider has pronounced the death and confirmed that an autopsy is not indicated. The family is currently waiting in the lounge to view the body. Arrange the following post-mortem care actions in the correct chronological sequence.

  1. 1Position a small pillow beneath the client's head and slightly raise the upper portion of the bed.
  2. 2Gently close the client's eyes and mouth.
  3. 3Discontinue and remove all intravenous lines and indwelling tubes.
  4. 4Wash soiled areas of the body and apply a clean hospital gown.
  5. 5Remove unnecessary medical equipment and supplies from the room.

Answer

The correct sequence is: Position a pillow beneath the head, close the eyes and mouth, remove intravenous lines and tubes, wash the body and apply a clean gown, and finally remove unnecessary medical equipment from the room.
Post-mortem care is performed systematically to maintain the dignity of the deceased and support the grieving family. The immediate physical priority is preventing facial discoloration by elevating the head, followed quickly by closing the eyes before rigor mortis occurs. Next, removing medical devices (when autopsy is not required) and bathing the body restores a natural appearance. Finally, modifying the environment completes the preparation before the family enters.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Prevent post-mortem physical changes.
The nurse positions a pillow under the head and raises the bed slightly.
Doing this immediately prevents blood from pooling in the face (livor mortis), preventing permanent discoloration.
2
Ensure a natural facial appearance.
The nurse gently closes the eyes and mouth.
This must be completed quickly before rigor mortis begins, as stiffening will make it difficult to adjust the facial features later.
3
Prepare the body physically for the family.
The nurse removes all medical lines, tubes, and catheters.
Since the provider confirmed no autopsy is needed, invasive devices are removed so the client looks more natural and less institutionalized.
4
Perform hygienic care.
The nurse washes the body and dresses the client in a clean gown.
Cleansing removes any bodily fluids and the fresh gown restores the client's dignity prior to the viewing.
5
Optimize the therapeutic environment.
The nurse removes excess medical supplies and equipment.
A clean, decluttered room creates a peaceful atmosphere that supports the grieving family during their final visitation.

Key Concept

Post-Mortem Care Sequence
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Topics

End of Life Care

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