Final answer:
According to the deceased patient standard, you may leave the scene after pronouncing the patient, securing the scene, and contacting the coroner. The process involves careful documentation and respect for legal procedures.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the deceased patient standard, in the case of an expected death, you are allowed to leave the scene after pronouncing the patient. The process involves a series of steps that should be followed carefully and with the utmost respect for the deceased and their loved ones. Initially, you must ensure that all medical protocols and efforts to save the patient have been exhausted and documented. Once death is confirmed, it is typically necessary to pronounce the patient as deceased officially, making a note of the time and any other required details.
It is also essential to secure the scene by making sure that it is in an appropriate condition for the authorities, such as the coroner or forensic teams, who may need to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death. This includes ensuring that there is no disturbance of the body or immediate area, and that all necessary legal steps such as notification of law enforcement are taken. The next vital step is to contact the coroner who will take over proceedings related to the death, including legal and forensic considerations.
After these steps, and completion of any further required protocols such as documentation and family communication, the medical personnel may leave the scene. In cases where the death was expected, such as in hospice care, these steps may differ slightly due to the facility's protocols and the presence of prior directives like a living will or Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order.