Post Mortem Care

Question 1

means ensuring that patients’ preferences are met and symptoms are managed through the use of open communication.

Answer 1

Good Death

Question 2

Defined as the care given once death has occurred through transfer to a funeral provider.

Answer 2

POST MORTEM

Question 3

largely focused on family care, on survivors who are often greatly affected by the events surrounding dying, death, and disposal of a loved one’s body.

Answer 3

POST MORTEM

Question 4

Post-Mortem Stages of Death

Answer 4

Pallor Mortis
Algor Mortis
Rigor Mortis
Livor Mortis

Question 5

The first change that occurs in a corpse is the increased paleness in the face and other parts. This is due to the cessation of blood circulation.

Answer 5

Pallor Mortis

Question 6

In this stage, within seconds of death, the brain cells begin to die and the heart stops pumping blood.

Answer 6

Algor Mortis

Question 7

The_____ is our thermostat and the _____ is the main heat dissipator.

Answer 7

Brain
Circulatory system

Question 8

Immediately after death, a corpse will go flaccid. All the muscles will become relaxed and limp, but after a few hours, the whole body will stiffen. The muscles will now contract and become rigid, a stage called _____.

Answer 8

Rigor Mortis

Question 9

one of the most useful methods of determining time of death, since its progression is mostly predictable.

Answer 9

Rigor Mortis

Question 10

This is the final stage of death. When the heart stops beating, the blood is now at the mercy of gravity. It tends to collect at certain parts of the body.

Answer 10

Livor Mortis

Question 11

_____ starts with the skin where the blood has settled developing a bright red color.

Answer 11

Lividity

Question 12

The bluish coloring
of the skin is called _____ or _____.

Answer 12

livor mortis or lividity

Question 13

Post-Mortem Documentation:

✔ Time o death ,and name of provider whom announced death.
✔ Persons present at the time of death.
✔ Any resuscitation efforts if applicable.
✔ Name of persons notified of the death.
✔ Location of the patient’s personal
belongings.
✔ Final care of the body.
✔ Final disposition of the body (morgue,
funeral home, or medical examiner).

Question 14

Explain the procedure and the reason for post-mortem care to the family, as appropriate.

Answer 14

Family Education

Question 15

In the post-mortem period, the nurse will prepare the body, in accordance with hospital or facility protocols.

Answer 15

Care of the Body

Question 16

Care of the Body

1. Position the body in supine position with anatomical alignment. Close eyes and mouth if open.
2. Remove any clothing, jewelry and personal items and bag for family pick-up.
3. Using a basin pan with water and soap, give a bed bath to the body. Comb any hair if necessary.
4. Remove any medical equipment, including venous access lines, catheters, or other tubing.
5. A diaper or absorbent under pad may be applied for possible fluid leakage.
6. Dress the body in a clean gown or clothing provided by the family.
7. Ensure correct patient identification and apply a toe tag to the patient.
8. Change all bed linens, and cover the patient with a sheet (only to the shoulders) if the family will be visiting.
9. Once prepared, place the patient in a body bag for transport to the morgue via stretcher or for direct pick-up by a funeral home.

Question 17

Healthcare team roles

_____ must certify the death. If the death occurred in unusual circumstances, an autopsy may be requested.

_____ should remain with the family during preparation of the patient’s body for viewing.

_____ is responsible for coordination of all post-mortem care.

_____ will provide information to the family regarding organ donation.

Answer 17

Physicians

Staff members, pastoral care, or other personnel

Nursing

Trained staff members