Care After Death

Definition: - This is the care given to the body after death. It is also called post-mortem care.

Purpose
1. To show respect for the dead
2. To prepare the body for burial
3. To prevent spread of infection
4. To show kindness to the family

Equipment
• Basin for water, wash cloth and towel
• Cotton
• Gauze
• Dressings and tape if necessary
• Clean sheet
• Stretcher
• Forceps
• Name tag
• Gloves, if necessary

Procedure
• Note the exact time of death and chart it
• If the doctor is present call him to pronounce death
• If the family members are not present, send for them
• Wash hands and wear clean gloves according to agency policy
• Close doors of the room or pull curtain
• Raise bed to comfortable working level (when necessary)
• Arrange for privacy and prevent other patients from seeing in to room.
• Close patient's eyes and nose if necessary
• Remove N.G. tubes and other devices from patient's body
• Place patient in supine position
• Replace soiled dressing with clean ones when possible
• Bath patients as necessary
• Brush or comb hair
• Apply clean gown
• Care for valuable and personal belongings and document dispersement
• Allow family to view patient and remain in room
• Attach special level if patient had contagious disease
• Await arrival of ambulance or transfer to morgue
• Remove gloves and wash hands
• Document the procedure

Study Questions
1. Define death.
2. What are the stages experiences by dying person?
3. How do you confirm the occurrence of death?
4. What are the purposes of post mortem care?