UNIT 9

POST MORTEM CARE

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 POST MORTEM CARE
 Learning Objectives
• At completion of the unit the student will be
able:
 Define death
 Identify sign of death.
 Confirm death in collaboration with physician.
 Reassure relatives of the dying patient.
 Provide care for the dead body with respection.
 Transfere the dead body to morgue or his house.

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 Care of the Dying
 Death: - is the end of life and all the vital
processes.
 Legal death is the total absence of brain
activities as assessed and pronounced by the
physician.
 Death is a natural part of life and comes to all
beings. We must try to make the patient
comfortable and free from pain till the end.
 Tell the patient’s family about his serious
condition.

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 Care of the Dying……
 If the dying patient is in a ward, move him to
a room where there are no other patients, if
possible, if this is impossible, put screen
around his bed.
 Try not to disturb other patients.
 Do not leave a dying patient alone.

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 Care After Death
• Definition: -
* This is the care given to the body after death.
* Also called post mortem care.
• Purpose
* To show respect for the dead
* To prepare the body for burial
* To prevent spread of infection
* To show kindness to the family

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 Care After Death……
• Equipment
 Basin for water, wash cloth and towel
 Cotton
 Gauze
 Dressings and tape if necessary
 Clean sheet
 Stretcher
 Forceps
 Name tag
 Gloves, if necessary
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 Care After Death……
 Procedure
1. Note the exact time of death and chart it
2. If the doctor is present call him to pronounce
death
3. If the family members are not present, send
for them
4. Wash hands and wear clean gloves according
to agency policy
5. Close doors to room or pull curtain

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 Care After Death……
6. Raise bed to comfortable working level (when
necessary)
7. Arrange for privacy and prevent other patients
from seeing in to room.
8. Close patient's eyes and nose if necessary
9. Remove N.G. tubes and other devices from
patient's body
10.Place patient in supine position

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 Care After Death……

11. Replace soiled dressing with clean ones

when possible
12. Bath patients as necessary
13. Brush or comb hair
14. Apply clean gown
15. Care for valuable and personal belongings
and document

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 Care After Death……
16. Allow family to view patient and remain in
room
17. Attach special level if patient had contagious
disease
18. Await arrival of ambulance or transfer to
morgue
19. Remove glares and wash hands
20. Document the procedure

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