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.

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11ecbb05_cb26_a1ec_b433_ffcaa4db1d23_MD0009_00 Postmortem care is conducted with respect and dignity. The nurse should provide opportunities for family participation and accommodate religious and cultural rituals when possible (Option A). To perform postmortem care: Maintain standard or isolation precautions in place at the time of death. Gently close the client's eyes (Option C). Remove tubes and dressings per policy, unless an autopsy or organ harvest is pending. Straighten and wash the body and change the linens. Handle the body carefully, as tissue damage and bruising occur easily after circulation has ceased. Leave dentures in place, or replace if removed, to maintain the shape of the face; it is difficult to place dentures once rigor mortis sets in (Option E). A towel folded under the chin may be needed to keep the jaw closed. Place a pad under the perineum to absorb any stool or urine leaking from relaxed sphincters (Option D). Place a pillow under the head to prevent blood from pooling and discoloring the face. Remove equipment and soiled linens from the room. Give client's belongings to a family member or send with the body. (Option B) This client's death was expected. It is not necessary to contact the medical examiner for autopsy. Educational objective: Postmortem care involves preparing the body for presentation to the family and includes hygiene (removing soiled linens and dressings, cleaning the body and room) and positioning (head on pillow, pad under perineum, mouth and eyes closed).

The Nurse Is Providing Postmortem Care for a Client Who