NUR 215 Exam 5. Loss & Grief
What is postmortem care? - answer It is the care of the patient's body after death.
It also includes fulfilling any legal obligations like transpo to morgue / funeral home, and
determining the disposition of the patient's belongings.
True or False. Nurses are responsible for following federal & state laws regarding
requests for organ or tissue donation, obtaining permission for autopsy, ensuring the
certification & appropriate documentation of the death, and providing postmortem care. -
answerTrue
What is the term for the stiffening of the body after death? This is caused by contraction
of muscles due to lack of ATP. It occurs 2-4 hours after death. - answer Rigor Mortis
After death, what is the term when the blood stops circulating? – answer Algor Mortis
How do you prevent facial discoloration after the patient's death? - answer Elevate their
head by raising HOB and placing a pillow under the head and shoulders. Do it as soon
as possible after their death.
Who becomes the nurse's primary focus after postmortem care is completed? -
answerthe client's family
What is the difference between hospice care and palliative care? - answerHospice is
comfort care without curative intent; the patient no longer has curative options or has
chosen not to pursue treatment because the side effects outweigh the benefits.
Palliative care is comfort care with or without curative intent.
What is the overall goal of palliative care? - answerincreased patient/family satisfaction
improved symptom control
cost savings for hospital
What is hospice care? - answerIt focuses on holistic care for patients who are dying and
not expected to improve.
When do you qualify for hospice insurance benefits? - answerTo qualify, a provider
must certify that the patient is likely to die within 6 months
What are the stages in Kubler-Ross Model? - answer(DABDA)
Denial - difficulty believing actual loss
Anger - client directs anger towards self or others
What is postmortem care? - answer It is the care of the patient's body after death.
It also includes fulfilling any legal obligations like transpo to morgue / funeral home, and
determining the disposition of the patient's belongings.
True or False. Nurses are responsible for following federal & state laws regarding
requests for organ or tissue donation, obtaining permission for autopsy, ensuring the
certification & appropriate documentation of the death, and providing postmortem care. -
answerTrue
What is the term for the stiffening of the body after death? This is caused by contraction
of muscles due to lack of ATP. It occurs 2-4 hours after death. - answer Rigor Mortis
After death, what is the term when the blood stops circulating? – answer Algor Mortis
How do you prevent facial discoloration after the patient's death? - answer Elevate their
head by raising HOB and placing a pillow under the head and shoulders. Do it as soon
as possible after their death.
Who becomes the nurse's primary focus after postmortem care is completed? -
answerthe client's family
What is the difference between hospice care and palliative care? - answerHospice is
comfort care without curative intent; the patient no longer has curative options or has
chosen not to pursue treatment because the side effects outweigh the benefits.
Palliative care is comfort care with or without curative intent.
What is the overall goal of palliative care? - answerincreased patient/family satisfaction
improved symptom control
cost savings for hospital
What is hospice care? - answerIt focuses on holistic care for patients who are dying and
not expected to improve.
When do you qualify for hospice insurance benefits? - answerTo qualify, a provider
must certify that the patient is likely to die within 6 months
What are the stages in Kubler-Ross Model? - answer(DABDA)
Denial - difficulty believing actual loss
Anger - client directs anger towards self or others
