An elderly client who was admitted to the healthcare facility passes away as a result of a cardiopulmonary arrest. The nurse attending to the client is deeply traumatized by the incident

Question

What should the nurse do to obtain support and comfort following the death of the client? A) Request the coroner not to order an autopsy.
B) Avoid the situation by walking away from it.
C) Express sadness to the medical team and client's family.
D) Try to assist the client's family members in the funeral.

Answer 1

C
Feedback:
Expressing sadness to coworkers, supervisors, spouse, spiritual advisors, and to the client's family members is appropriate for achieving support and comfort in dealing with the death of the client. When death is a result of a cardiopulmonary attack and no foul play is suspected, the family members may request that an autopsy not be performed. However, the nurse cannot make such a request. One of the nurse's duties following the death of the client also includes providing assistance to the client's family members in preparing for the funeral, such as calling the chaplain, providing a list of funeral homes or crematoriums, and arranging transportation of the body; however, this is a duty and a measure of expressing support and concern to the family members, but may not help the nurse in recovering from the psychological trauma of the client's death.