Question

A patient with sepsis as a result of long-term leukemia dies 25 hours after admission to the hospital. A full code was conducted without success. The patient had a urinary catheter, an intravenous line, an oxygen cannula, and a nasogastric tube. What question is priority for the nurse to ask the family before beginning postmortem care?

a. "Do you want to assist in bathing your loved one?"
b. "Is an autopsy going to be done?"
c. "To which funeral home do you want your loved one transported?"
d. "Do you want me to remove the lines and tubes before you see your loved one?"

Answer 1

The priority question for the nurse to ask the family before beginning postmortem care is whether they want the lines and tubes removed before seeing their loved one.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question priority for the nurse to ask the family before beginning postmortem care is d. 'Do you want me to remove the lines and tubes before you see your loved one?'

This question is important because it addresses the comfort and emotional well-being of the family. Removing the lines and tubes can help create a more peaceful and natural appearance for the loved one, which may provide some solace for the family during the grieving process.

It's crucial for the nurse to clarify the family's preference before proceeding with postmortem care to ensure that their wishes are respected and to provide the best possible support during this difficult time.