A client who had a “Do Not Resuscitate” order passed away. After verifying there is no pulse or respirations, the nurse should next:
A. Have family members say goodbye to the deceased.
B. Call the transplant team to retrieve vital organs.
C. Remove all tubes and equipment (unless organ donation is to take place), clean the body, and position appropriately.
D. Call the funeral director to come and get the body.
Correct Answer: C. Remove all tubes and equipment (unless organ donation is to take place), clean the body, and position appropriately.
The body of the deceased should be prepared before the family comes into view and says their goodbyes. This includes removing all equipment, tubes, supplies, and dirty linens according to protocol, bathing the client, applying clean sheets, and removing trash from the room. In a home care, the nurse would ask the family if it was alright to remove any tubes or catheters from the patient, and if they would like to assist in bathing/preparing the patient for transport to the funeral home. The nurse would assist the family in removing any jewelry or other items from the patient. Be sure to maintain the highest dignity and respect for the deceased patient during this post-mortem care.
Option A: When the death is imminent, the family must be informed that death is near. As mentioned before, sometimes this is shocking to the family, despite knowing that their loved one is dying. This has to be communicated to the family in a sensitive and calm manner. Each nurse will have their own way to exchange this information, but it is very important that the family be told that death can occur at any time so that they can prepare. There may be a family in the area or out of town that would like to come and see the patient and who is waiting until the patient gets closer to death.
Option B: Correct information given to a family clearly, sensitively, and in a professional manner can accommodate relatives’ understanding of why their loved one is in a critical condition, which can help them accept death and therefore consider the option of organ donation. Nurses must acquire through regular training specific skills and knowledge in order to practice efficiently and adhere to the needs of a dying patient’s family.
Option D: Following the death of a patient, the nurse should offer their condolences to the family and extend assistance with contacting any other family members or individuals the family requests. Depending on the location of the death, the nurse would contact the medical examiner to notify them of the death, as well as the physician and other clinicians who were involved with the patient. The nurse can also contact the funeral home for the family as requested.