Question

The nurse is providing postmortem care for a client who has died after a long hospitalization. The client had a do-not-resuscitate prescription in place at the time of death. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include during postmortem care in preparation for transfer to the funeral home? Select all that apply.

Answer 1

In postmortem care for a client with a DNR, the nurse should respectfully prepare the body for transfer by closing the eyes, cleaning the body, removing tubes (unless legally required not to), and documenting the care and belongings.

Step-by-step explanation:

When providing postmortem care for a client who had a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order and has died, nurses should follow specific steps in preparation for the transfer to the funeral home. This includes closing the deceased's eyes, placing the jaw in a natural position, cleaning the body as necessary, removing all catheters and tubes (unless there's a legal reason to leave them in place, which may occur in case of an autopsy), applying a clean gown and pads as needed to prevent fluid leakage, and ensuring that the body is treated with dignity and respect throughout the process.

These interventions are part of the protocol to respect the individual's end-of-life wishes and to maintain the body's appearance for viewing by the family if they wish to do so. The nurse should also document the time of death, all care provided, and any belongings left with or removed from the client, ensuring legal and ethical standards are met, as well as to provide peace for the family.