The nurse is preparing the body of a deceased patient to be seen by the family in the hospital. Which of the following should the nurse do?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In preparation for the family's time with the body, the room should be straightened as much as possible, reducing unnecessary clutter around the patient. The patient's gown and bed linens should be clean, and equipment such as oxygen tubing and intravenous lines should be removed, though hospital policy may require that invasive lines remain in place if an autopsy is scheduled. The need for any equipment left in place should be explained to the family. The patient's head should be elevated on a pillow, and positioning should allow for the mouth and eyes to be closed. Dentures should be placed in the mouth, if possible. If the patient normally wears glasses, they may be put on as well. Boxes of tissue should be placed beside the bed. The head of the bed should not be flat, the patient should be wearing a gown, the overhead lights do not need to be turned on, and chairs should be available in the room.

The Nurse Is Preparing the Body of a Deceased Patient