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    VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Proctored Exam

    A nurse is providing postmortem care for a client prior to the family viewing the body. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

    Explanation & Rationale

    After a patient dies, postmortem care includes preparing them for family viewing . The nurse should place the body in the supine position, with the arms at the sides and the head on a pillow. Then elevate the head of the bed 30 degrees to prevent discoloration from blood setling in the face. The other options are not correct because: b) The nurse should cleanse the client's body while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) based on indications for isolation precautions, not necessarily sterile gloves. c) If the patient wore dentures and your facility’s policy permits, gently insert them; then close the mouth. d) The nurse should close the eyes by gently pressing on the lids with their fingertips. If they don’t stay closed, place moist coton balls on the eyelids for a few minutes, and then try again to close them. Surgical tape is not mentioned as necessary .

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