chapter 24 - ATI Testing

Care of Those Who are Dying and/or Grieving●●◯◯◯◯■■■■■■Brush/comb the client’s hair, and replace any hair piecesRemove excess equipment and linens from the roomDim the lights and minimize noise to provide a calm environmentViewing considerations include:■■■■■■Asking the family if they would like to remain with the body, and honoring anydecision. This process should not be rushed.Clarifying where the client’s personal belongings should go, either with the bodyor to a designated personAdhering to the same procedures when the deceased is a newborn, while addingthe following:☐☐☐☐☐☐Post viewing■■■■■■Organ DonationSwaddling the infant’s body in a clean blanketTransporting the cradled infant in the nurse’s arms or in a special infantcarrierOffering mementos of the infant (identification bracelets, footprints, cordclamp, lock of hair, photos)Apply identification tags according to the facility’s policy.Complete documentation.Remain aware of visitor and staff sensibilities during transport.◯◯◯◯◯◯◯◯Recognize that request for tissue and organ donation must be made by speciallytrained personnel.Provide support and reinforce education to family members as decisions are beingmade. Use a private area for any family discussions concerning donation.Be sensitive to cultural and religious influences.Maintain ventilatory and cardiovascular support for vital organ retrieval.●●Autopsy Considerations◯◯◯◯◯◯◯◯◯◯The provider typically approaches the family about performing an autopsy.The nurse’s role is to answer the family’s questions and support the family’s choices.Autopsies can be conducted to advance scientific knowledge regarding diseaseprocesses, which can lead to the development of new therapies.The law may require an autopsy to be performed if the death is due to a homicide oran accident, or if the death occurs within 24 hr of hospital admission.Most facilities require that equipment used during medical intervention (tubes)remain in place if an autopsy is planned.234 PN MENTAL HEALTH NURSING