A nurse and an assistive personnel (AP) are providing postmortem care for a deceased client before visitation by the family. Which of the following actions by the AP requires intervention by the nurse?
A.
Gathering the client’s personal belongings.
B.
Removing the client’s dentures.
C.
Placing absorbent pads under the client’s buttocks.
D.
Closing the client’s eyes.
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B. Removing the client’s dentures.
Explanation
In postmortem care, the nursing team has specific responsibilities to ensure that the body is treated with dignity and respect while also preparing it for family visitation. Each of the actions listed can be a part of standard postmortem care, but they also involve specific protocols to follow.
A. Gathering the client’s personal belongings.
This action is appropriate and typically falls within the scope of an assistive personnel’s (AP) duties. Collecting the client’s personal items ensures that these belongings are returned to the family, promoting closure and respect.
B. Removing the client’s dentures.
This action requires intervention because dentures should generally remain in the deceased’s mouth unless otherwise specified in facility policies. Dentures help maintain the facial structure and appearance of the client, which is particularly important for family members who may want to view their loved one. Removing the dentures could alter the appearance significantly and may be seen as disrespectful. Additionally, this task is usually reserved for nursing staff rather than APs unless specific instructions are given by a nurse.
C. Placing absorbent pads under the client’s buttocks.
This is also an appropriate action for an AP, as it can help manage any potential leakage of bodily fluids and maintain cleanliness, which is crucial for dignity in death.
D. Closing the client’s eyes.
Closing the eyes of the deceased is a respectful act and is appropriate for the AP to perform, as it contributes to a peaceful appearance for the family viewing.
In summary, while all listed actions aim to respect the deceased and prepare for family visitation, the removal of dentures (Option B) should be done with caution and typically requires nursing intervention to ensure that it aligns with both best practices and family wishes.