Nursing Care of Patient Who Are Close To Death

 Nursing Care Measures y Provide patient s comfort - pain medications - mouth and eye care - positioning - measures to protect the skin from feces and urine y Nurse should consult with the physician about discontinuing measures that no longer contribute to patient comfort - Drawing blood - administering tube feedings - suctioning - invasive monitoring Nurse should prepare the family for the normal, expected changes that accompany the period of immediately preceding death

The DEATH VIGIL  A vigil is often held when someone is gravely ill or mourning. Prayers are said and votives are often made. Vigils extend from eventual death to burial, ritualistically to pray for a loved one, but more practically so they are never alone. The vigil process may include any or all of the following:
y y y y y y y y y

being a calm presence sitting together talking and listening shared silence healing touch reading of inspirational text or scripture requested rituals inspirational music lighting candle

AFTER-DEATH CARE  Postmortem care is the care provided to a patient immediately after death. Purpose Postmortem care serves several purposes, including:
y y y y

preparing the patient for viewing by family ensuring proper identification of the patient prior to transportation to the morgue or funeral home providing appropriate disposition of patient's belongings maintaining vital organs, if donation is planned  A family member should take all the patient's personal belongings. The body will be transported to the morgue or funeral home.