Verification of Death

Question 1

Before starting confirmation:

Answer 1

1. Check resus status of patient. If no DNACPR must perform CPR
2. Review the patients notes and PMH
3. Clarify circumstances surrounding death
4. Introduce yourself to family and offer condolences

Question 2

1st step

Answer 2

Wash hands and put on PPE

Question 3

2nd step

Answer 3

Confirm identity of patient by checking wristband

Question 4

3rd step

Answer 4

Check for obvious signs of life e.g. movement/ resp effort

Question 5

4th step

Answer 5

assess verbal stimulus response (hi, can you hear me?)

Question 6

5th step

Answer 6

Assess pain response
- trapezius squeeze, supraorbital pressure

Question 7

6th step

Answer 7

Assess pupillary reflexes using pen torch

Question 8

7th step

Answer 8

Palpate carotic artery for pulse

Question 9

8th step

Answer 9

Auscultate heart sounds for 2 mins

Question 10

9th step

Answer 10

Auscultate lung sounds for 3 mins

Question 11

10th step

Answer 11

Dispose of PPE and wash hands

Question 12

Documentation to include:

Answer 12

Death confirmation in notes
Clinical findings
Time of death

Question 13

After confirmation:

Answer 13

Inform relevant nursing staff
Consider if it needs to be referred to the coroner