Post-mortem care

Definitions & Key takeaways

Post-mortem care is the care given to a deceased person in preparation for burial or cremation. As a healthcare provider, to give proper post-mortem care you need a post-mortem kit which may contain the following items: tags, gloves, a comb, paper towels, a bath blanket, cotton balls, washcloths, bed protectors, towels, clean gowns, a wash basin, clean linens, soap, etc. In some cases, post-mortem care may involve an autopsy, which is the examination of the body to determine the cause of death. Post-mortem care is a delicate and sensitive process, and medical professionals who provide these services must be aware of the special needs of family members during this difficult time.

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Intro0:00–1:26

As a nursing assistant, sometimes you might be present when one of your clients dies. In this case, you should let the nurse know right away if you think the client has died.
You could be asked to document the absence of vital signs and the time. In addition, death needs to be legally confirmed by a physician or nurse authorized to pronounce the person’s death.
The time of death appears on the individual’s death certificate. Now, after death has been determined, you need to assist the nurse in giving post-mortem care.
Post-mortem care is how the client’s body is cared for after their death. Sometimes, cultural or religious beliefs can dictate how the body should be cared for.
Post-mortem care is crucial in order to maintain respect and dignity of the person who has died and to keep the body in proper alignment.
This is important to do before rigor mortis sets in, which is the stiffening of skeletal muscles, and it occurs within two to four hours after death.
Once this happens, it’s difficult to reposition the body. One more thing to keep in mind is that gas trapped in the GI tract can be released when repositioning or moving the body, leading to sighs or moans coming from the deceased client.
This is a natural process, and there’s no need to be afraid. Sometimes, an autopsy needs to be done in order to confirm the cause of the individual’s death.

Autopsy1:26–1:51

An autopsy is the examination of the individual’s organs and tissues after death. When performed, medical devices, like tubes, drains, catheters, and IV lines, should not be removed.
When an autopsy will not be performed, all these devices can be removed as part of post-mortem care. Before anything else, the skin needs to be cleaned of mucus, urine, feces, or other fluids.

Procedure1:51–6:47

That’s because bodily fluids may be infectious, even after death. Then, the body is placed in proper alignment before rigor mortis sets in.
To best assist with post-mortem care, you need some information from the nurse. First, you need to know if the dentures are inserted or placed in a denture cup.
Then, you need to know if there are any tubes, dressing, drains, or rings worn by the client that should be removed or left in place.
Next, you need to be aware of special agency policies and procedures. Lastly, you need to know if the family wants to see the deceased.
Moving on: We are going to talk about how to give proper post-mortem care. In order to do this, you need a post-mortem kit that contains the following items: tags; plastic bags for personal belongings; gauze pads; safety pins; ties; a chin strap; and a shroud or sheet, which is a covering used to wrap the body of an individual that has died.
Apart from this, you’ll need gloves, a comb, paper towels, a bath blanket, cotton balls, washcloths, bed protectors, towels, clean gowns, a wash basin, clean linens, and soap if necessary.
Remember to treat the body with the same dignity as you would a living client. Okay, before anything else, you’ll need to cover the over-bed table with paper towels, and then you can place your supplies on it.
Then, make sure that the bed is positioned at a comfortable working height and that the wheels are locked. Also, lower the head of the bed so that it’s flat.
Wash your hands and put on gloves. Next, turn off any medical equipment as instructed.
Place the body in the supine position with arms and legs straight. Then, place a pillow under the head and shoulders or just raise the head of the bed 15 to 20 degrees.
Afterwards, undress the body and cover it with the bath blanket. Gently close the individual’s eyelids.
If they won’t stay closed, place some moist cotton balls over the eyelids. If the individual has an artificial eye, then this should remain in place unless you are given other instructions.
Insert the client’s dentures or place them inside a labeled denture cup. Gently close the individual’s mouth; you might need to place a rolled up towel under the chin or a chin strap to help it stay closed.
Regarding jewelry: You’ll need to follow agency policy, which may require wedding rings to stay in place and for you to remove all other jewelry.
Place them inside labeled envelopes and document the items you removed. Next, remove any tubes, catheters, or other medical equipment from the body.
Next, fill the wash basin with some warm water and put the basin on the over-bed table. Wash the body and comb the hair.
If the family wishes to view the body, dress the body in a clean gown first. If the bedding is wet or soiled, change the bed linens.
The top sheet should be drawn over the body at shoulder level without covering the individual’s face. If a shroud is used, first position the shroud under the body, bring the top down over the head, and the bottom over the feet; then, fold the sides over the body and pin the shroud in place.
Collect all the individual’s belongings and don’t forget to document each item on your list. Next, straighten the room and dim the lights.
Remove your gloves and wash your hands. Give the family some privacy.
After the family leaves, wash your hands and put on new gloves. You’ll need to fill out three identification tags.
One will be attached to the right great toe or the right ankle, one will be attached to the individual’s belongings, and the last one will be attached to the outside of the shroud or sheet.
If you are using a shroud, don’t forget to attach the toe or ankle tag before completely shrouding the client. Once this is done, gather the soiled linens and place them in the hamper.
Clean reusable medical equipment and return them to the storage unit. Take off your gloves and wash your hands.
Finally, let the nurse know the body is ready to be taken to the morgue and let them know the location of the client’s belongings.
Okay, keep in mind that providing post-mortem care can be difficult emotionally because healthcare workers sometimes become very attached to their clients and grieve when they die.
It’s okay to feel frustrated at death, and it’s acceptable to feel sad and cry. Remember that it’s okay to talk about your feelings with a co-worker, a supervisor, or even a counselor.
Understanding and managing your feelings might be helpful for providing post-mortem care as a way of paying your last respects.

Recap6:47–7:46

Alright, as a quick recap... Post-mortem care is given after an individual has died.
Rigor mortis is the stiffening of skeletal muscles, and it occurs within two to four hours after death. An autopsy is the examination of the individual’s organs and tissues after death, and it might be required in some cases to establish the cause of death.
In order to give proper post-mortem care, you need a post-mortem kit containing the following items: tags; plastic bags for personal belongings; gauze pads; safety pins; ties; a chin strap; and a shroud, which is a covering used to wrap the body of an individual that has died.
Apart from this, you’ll need gloves, a comb, paper towels, a bath blanket, cotton balls, washcloths, bed protectors, towels, clean gowns, a wash basin, clean linens, and soap if necessary.
When giving post-mortem care, remember the instructions given to you by the nurse and always treat the individual with