The nurse is caring for a female patient who died a few minutes previously. The patient's family comes in to the room and immediately starts to wash the body in preparation for burial. What is the most appropriate action of the nurse at this time?
a. Inform the patient's family that the body must be transported to the morgue.
b. Instruct the patient's family that hospital staff will provide post-mortem care.
c. Obtain needed signatures for organ donation and autopsy.
d. Offer to provide any needed supplies and provide privacy for the family.
ANS: D
The most appropriate action of the nurse at this time is to allow the family to wash the patient's body in accordance with their wishes and cultural values. Signatures may be obtained from the next of kin when washing is complete. The patient's body may be transported to the morgue or funeral home after washing is completed.
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