A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a newly hired nurse about cultural sensitivity during death and dying.
Which of the following information should the nurse include?

The correct answer is choice C, D, and E.

Choice A rationale:A client being unable to afford physical therapy is a financial issue, not an incident that affects patient safety or care quality. This situation should be addressed through social services or financial counseling, not an incident report.

Choice B rationale:A client being dissatisfied with meal temperature is a service quality issue, not a safety incident. This should be reported to the dietary department or patient services for resolution, not through an incident report.

Choice C rationale:A client’s visitor becoming dizzy and fainting in the client’s room is an incident that affects the safety of the visitor. An incident report should be completed to document the event, the visitor’s condition, and any actions taken to provide care or prevent future occurrences.

Choice D rationale:A client receiving burns from a heating pad is a safety incident that directly affects the client’s well-being. An incident report should be completed to document the injury, the circumstances leading to the burn, and any immediate care provided.

Choice E rationale:A client becoming disoriented and falling out of bed is a significant safety incident. An incident report should be completed to document the fall, the client’s condition, and any interventions implemented to prevent future falls.

The correct answer is choice C. “I will assist you in any way I can during this process.” This response shows sensitivity and respect for the client’s family and their cultural or religious beliefs. Postmortem care involves caring for a deceased patient’s body with dignity and in a manner that is consistent with the patient’s and family’s wishes.The nurse should offer to assist the family in performing the postmortem care if they request to do so.

Choice A is wrong because the family does not need to sign a release form to perform the postmortem care themselves.

There is no legal requirement for this.

Choice B is wrong because a licensed health care worker does not have to perform postmortem care.

The family can perform the care themselves if they wish, with or without the assistance of a health care worker.

Choice D is wrong because postmortem care takes place before the client leaves the facility, not after.

Postmortem care should be provided as soon as possible to prevent tissue damage or disfigurement.