Post Mortem Care Chapter 42-
Questions & Answers
Certification of death Correct Ans-Defined in New York State Public Health Law, Article 41,
Death Certificate. The death certificate identifying the patient and the cause of death must be
dated and signed by the physician last in attendance on the deceased."
4 kinds of death based on how expected it is and location Correct Ans-anticipated death,
unanticipated death, death in health care agency, death outside hospital
when is an autopsy needed? Correct Ans-when a death is unanticipated, suddenly/unexpected,
suspicious (suicide/murder), injury (overdose, fall, vehicle accident ect.)
what is done to the body prior to an autopsy Correct Ans-any tubes that were in place should
NOT be removed. (follow facility policy)
what should an RN do immediately after death Correct Ans--provide comfort and privacy to
family.
-offer services of clergy
-notify family if not present
what should an RN do prior to allowing family to see the body Correct Ans--place patient in
normal anatomical position
-straighten limbs
, -close eyes
-comb hair
-remove tubes
-freshen top linens
when is it unnecessary to wash the body Correct Ans--usually completed by a mortician
-if patients religion strictly forbids washing of body.
-if patients religion requires a special person to preform washing (in which case you would give
family supplies and leave room)
where should you place Identification tags Correct Ans--on shroud/garment the body is
clothed in
-on patients ankle
-patients dentures or other prostheses
where will the patients body go if mortuary arrangements were not made before their death
Correct Ans-the hospital morgue refrigerator
who should you give patients belongings to Correct Ans-the family
what is rigor mortis Correct Ans-stiffness of body after death. Caused because aerobic
metabolism ceases when respirations stop.
Questions & Answers
Certification of death Correct Ans-Defined in New York State Public Health Law, Article 41,
Death Certificate. The death certificate identifying the patient and the cause of death must be
dated and signed by the physician last in attendance on the deceased."
4 kinds of death based on how expected it is and location Correct Ans-anticipated death,
unanticipated death, death in health care agency, death outside hospital
when is an autopsy needed? Correct Ans-when a death is unanticipated, suddenly/unexpected,
suspicious (suicide/murder), injury (overdose, fall, vehicle accident ect.)
what is done to the body prior to an autopsy Correct Ans-any tubes that were in place should
NOT be removed. (follow facility policy)
what should an RN do immediately after death Correct Ans--provide comfort and privacy to
family.
-offer services of clergy
-notify family if not present
what should an RN do prior to allowing family to see the body Correct Ans--place patient in
normal anatomical position
-straighten limbs
, -close eyes
-comb hair
-remove tubes
-freshen top linens
when is it unnecessary to wash the body Correct Ans--usually completed by a mortician
-if patients religion strictly forbids washing of body.
-if patients religion requires a special person to preform washing (in which case you would give
family supplies and leave room)
where should you place Identification tags Correct Ans--on shroud/garment the body is
clothed in
-on patients ankle
-patients dentures or other prostheses
where will the patients body go if mortuary arrangements were not made before their death
Correct Ans-the hospital morgue refrigerator
who should you give patients belongings to Correct Ans-the family
what is rigor mortis Correct Ans-stiffness of body after death. Caused because aerobic
metabolism ceases when respirations stop.
