Question

1. List in proper order the different elements of providing post-mortem care (in detail).

Answer 1

Post mortem care

* Purpose : To clean and prepare the patients's body before it is transported to the morgue.

* Assessment

- verify the patient has been pronounced dead by the physician.

- identify cadaver and collect his her belongings for labelling .

* Planning

- collect necessary equipment.

- bathing supplies

- shroud or morgue bag

- 3 identification tag

- roll of guaze

- paper / plastic bags for personal belongings.

- morgue cart

* order of post mortem care

- needs to be done promptly , efficiently , quietly and with dignity.

- straighten limbs before death , if possible .

- place head on pillow .

- remove tubes

- replace soiled dressings

- pad anal area

- gently wash body to remove discharge

- place body on back with head and shoulders elevated.

- grasp eyelashes and gently pull lids down .

- insert dentures

- place clean gown on body and cover with clean sheet .

- note time of death and chart

- notify attending physician : chart any special direction .

- notify family members : allow time with loved one.

- gather eyeglasses and other belongings .

- prepare necessary paper work for body removal.

- call funeral home

- Note on chart : what personal artifacts were released with the body , what belongings were released , who received the belongings.

- Tag or provide body identification as per policy.