BSN 2144 Lab Learning Activity #11 Death and Dying Prepare answers to the following questions: 1.

What materials are needed to perform post mortem care? (Clinical nursing skills) Clean gloves and isolation gown Plastic bag for hazardous waste disposal Washbasin, washcloth, warm water, and bath towel Clean gown or disposable gown for a body as indicated by agency policy Shroud kit with name tags Syringes for removing urinary catheter Scissors Small pillow or towel Paper tape, gauze dressings Paper bag, plastic bag, or other suitable receptacle for patients belongings to be returned to patients family members Valuables envelope

2. Why is it important to consider religious or cultural beliefs prior to commencing post mortem care? Health care providers need to have an understanding of and appreciation for the beliefs and religious preferences of their patients in order to provide optimal care for them. 3. What is an advanced directive?

An advanced directive is a living will; a written document prepared by competent persons outlining their treatment wishes in the event that they become incapacitated, they have been widely advocated as a means of ensuring that treatment preferences are respected. 4. What changes in terms of post mortem care would you consider if an autopsy is to be performed? (Canadian fundamentals of Nursing) Care of the body after death can be delegated to unregulated care providers except in cases of organ and tissue donation or autopsy. Check agency policy for which staff is authorized to remove any invasive tubes or catheters. 5. Reflect on your thoughts and feelings regarding post mortem care. 6. discuss in group what you feel are the most important nursing assessments and interventions for dying clients and their families. 7. Refer to www.giftoflife.on.ca What is the purpose of Trillium Gift of Life Network? Trillium Gift of Life Network is Ontario s organ and tissue donation agency. With our partners the Ontario government, our world renowned medical teams and scientific researchers, with our nurses, other health care professionals and volunteers we work to increase organ and tissue donation across the province. One organ donor can save the life of up to eight people and through tissue donation, enhance the lives of 75 others. How does organ donation work? Is everyone eligible? Historically organ donation has only occurred after brain death and only a small percentage of all hospital deaths result from a determination of neurological death (brain death). Some estimates are as small as 1.5-2%.

Unfortunately the supply of solid organs for transplantation has not met the demand and has, despite best efforts, remained relatively unchanged over the past decade. The two criteria for deceased organ donation are:
y y

Neurological Determination of Death (NDD) Donation after Cardiac Death (DCD)

Is it law? Until when can the organs be harvested? Which organs are transplantable? Lungs, Liver, Heart, Pancreas, Kidneys, and Bowel Which ones are appropriate for living transplant? Lobe of Liver, Lobe of Lung, small bowel, and pancreas. 8. What are some of your beliefs about organ and tissue donation, ethical considerations for the process, and the role of the student nurse? 9. How can nurses facilitate comfort at the end of life? Physiologically, why are these interventions required? Page 191 in Medical Surgical Nursing Table 11-9 outlines Nursing management: Physical care at end of life.