POSTMORTEM CARE

PROCEDURE RATIONALE
1. State the purpose of the procedure. Patient relative/s has the right to be informed
about any procedure to be done to the cadaver
for better understanding and cooperation.
2. Verify cadaver identity client using two identifiers. To prevent mistakes and ensures the right
patient receive the right treatment.
3. Perform hand hygiene. To prevent transfer of infection
4. Introduce self to the client’s family. To establish rapport and gain cooperation.
5. Explain the procedure to the client's family and To reduce fear and anxiety of family members
asks them to temporarily leave the room if possible.
6. Gather and assemble equipment. To provide ease in the execution of the
procedure.
7. Don clean gloves. To prevent cross contamination.
8. Maintain the proper alignment of the body of the To ensure efficiency & ease of postmortem care.
client.
9. Place a pillow under the head of the client. To stabilize body position.
10. Close the client's eyes, place hand on his/her To ensure proper face & body position before
abdomen. rigor mortis.
11. Place the client's prosthetics if there is any To re-establish normal mouth shape & contour.
(dentures, artificial eye, etc.)
12. Remove any objects causing pressure or injury To preserve dead patient’s skin integrity.
to the skin.
13. Remove all contraptions attached to patient To ensure efficiency & ease of postmortem care.
following hospital protocol.
14. Apply dressing if necessary. To stop small bleeding and prevent other fluid
secretions from draining.
15. Cleanse the body taking into consideration the To preserve body integrity of the dead patient.
cultural orientation of the family (head to toe).
16. Place protective incontinent pad/diaper. To catch blood and other fluid secretions.
17. Dress the client with a clean gown. To preserve body integrity of the dead patient.
18. Cover the client with clean linen
19. Dispose the soiled materials used according to To prevent cross contamination.
hospital protocol.
20. Provide ample time for the family to be with the To demonstrate respect and courtesy to the
client. grieving process of patient’s relatives.
21. Label the body according to the hospital For correct identification of patient’s body.
protocol (attaches ID tags to one foot/ankle/ big
toe, wrist and shroud).
22. Place body in the shroud or in the cadaver bag. To contain dead body to an appropriate clean.
23. Label all personal belongings of the client To provide security and easy identification of
following hospital protocol. patient’s belongings.
24. Dispose material used gloves observing To prevent cross contamination.
hospital protocol.
25. Perform hand hygiene.
26. Document the procedure. Documentation provides on-going data
collection and coordination of care.