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Question

Difficulty: EasyGrief and Loss

A nurse is preparing to perform post-mortem care for a client who has just passed away. Place the following nursing actions in the correct chronological sequence.

  1. 1Verify that the healthcare provider has officially pronounced the client's death.
  2. 2Ascertain whether an autopsy or medical examiner review is required.
  3. 3Remove intravenous lines, tubes, and indwelling catheters.
  4. 4Cleanse the body and position it supine with a pillow under the head.
  5. 5Attach identification tags to the client's body and shroud.

Answer

The correct chronological sequence is: Verify the pronouncement of death, ascertain if an autopsy is required, remove medical tubes and lines, cleanse and position the body, and finally attach identification tags.
Post-mortem care must follow a specific sequence to ensure legal requirements are met, evidence is preserved if needed, and the body is treated with dignity. Pronouncement must happen first. Checking for autopsy requirements is critical before altering the body (such as removing tubes). Once cleared, tubes are removed, the body is cleaned, and tags are placed for proper identification.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Ensure death has been legally pronounced.
Legal requirements are met to begin post-mortem care.
Nurses cannot begin preparing a body or altering its state until a provider has formally documented the death.
2
Check if an autopsy or medical examiner review is required.
Determines whether the body must be preserved as-is.
If an autopsy is required, all tubes and lines must be left in place to avoid interfering with the medical examiner's findings.
3
Remove tubes, lines, and catheters.
The body is freed from medical equipment.
Prepares the body for cleaning and viewing, assuming an autopsy is not indicated.
4
Cleanse the body and position it appropriately.
The body is made presentable and positioned to prevent pooling of blood in the face.
Maintains the client's dignity and prepares the body for the family to view in a respectful manner.
5
Apply identification tags.
The body is correctly identified for transport.
Ensures accurate identification when the body is transferred to the morgue or funeral home, which is a critical safety protocol.

Key Concept

Post-Mortem Care Sequence
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Grief and Loss

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