Asked by Keshaunda McNeil on Sep 27, 2024

A patient with sepsis as a result of long-term leukemia dies 25 hours after admission to the hospital. A full code was conducted without success. The patient had a urinary catheter, an intravenous line, an oxygen cannula, and a nasogastric tube. Which question is the priority for the nurse to ask the family before beginning postmortem care?

A) "Is an autopsy going to be done?"
B) "Which funeral home do you want to use?"
C) "Would you like to assist in bathing your loved one?"
D) "Do you want me to remove the lines and tubes before you see your loved one?"

Urinary Catheter

A tube inserted into the bladder through the urethra to drain urine from the body when a person cannot do it naturally.

Intravenous Line

A medical device used to deliver fluids, medications, or nutrients directly into a vein.

Postmortem Care

Care of a patient's body after death.

  • Understand the critical role of patient consent and the function of advanced directives in the formulation of healthcare decisions.