A nurse is preparing to perform postmortem care on a client who recently died from metastatic cancer. No family members were present at the time of death. What interventions can be delegated to experienced unlicensed assistive personnel? Select all that apply.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

It is appropriate to delegate postmortem care to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) if they have been trained and have sufficient experience in the procedures (5 rights of delegation). Postmortem care involves the following series of steps: Wash and straighten the body (Option E), change the linens, and place a pad under the perineum to absorb stool and urine from relaxed sphincters. Place a pillow under the head (Option C) to prevent blood from pooling and discoloring the face. Place dentures in the client's mouth before rigor mortis sets in (Option B) and close the mouth. Gently close the eyes. Remove tubes, lines, and dressings per institutional policy unless an autopsy or organ donation is to be performed. After the family leaves, take the client to the morgue or notify the funeral home to arrange transportation (Option D). (Option A) Family members are usually notified by the health care provider. Most likely they will ask questions that the UAP would be unable to answer. This task would not be appropriate for delegation. Educational objective: Postmortem care can be delegated to unlicensed assistive personnel at the nurse's discretion (5 rights of delegation). It includes client preparation (eg, hygiene, positioning) and transportation of the body to the appropriate facility.

A Nurse Is Preparing to Perform Postmortem Care on a Client