Question

A nurse is providing postmortem care. Which nursing action violates the standards of caring for the body after a patient has been pronounced dead and is not scheduled for an autopsy?

a. The nurse places the patient in a sitting position while the family visits.
b. The nurse places identification tags on both the shroud and the ankle.
c. The nurse removes soiled dressings and tubes.
d. The nurse makes sure a death certificate is issued and signed.

Answer 1

Placing the patient in a sitting position while the family visits violates the standards of caring for the body after a patient has been pronounced dead and is not scheduled for an autopsy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nursing action that violates the standards of caring for the body after a patient has been pronounced dead and is not scheduled for an autopsy is option a. The nurse places the patient in a sitting position while the family visits.

When a patient has been pronounced dead, it is important to maintain the body in a supine position to promote proper circulation and prevent blood pooling. Placing the patient in a sitting position can impede circulation and may not be appropriate without a valid reason or medical indication.