A nurse is performing postmortem care for a recently deceased client prior to the client’s family visit.
Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Cross the client’s arms across their chest.
Place the client in a high-Fowler’s position
Hold the client’s eyes shut for a few seconds.
Remove the client’s dentures from their mouth
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is choice C. Holding the client’s eyes shut for a few seconds.
This is because the eyes of a deceased client do not close naturally and may remain open after death. Holding them shut for a few seconds helps to keep them closed and prevent drying of the corneas.
This also gives a more peaceful appearance to the client’s body for the family visit.
Choice A is wrong because crossing the client’s arms across their chest is not a standard postmortem care procedure. It may also interfere with the placement of identification tags on the wrists.
Choice B is wrong because placing the client in a high-Fowler’s position is not necessary or appropriate for postmortem care. The client should be placed in a supine position with the head of the bed elevated to prevent livor mortis (purple discoloration of the skin) on the face.
Choice D is wrong because removing the client’s dentures from their mouth is not recommended for postmortem care. The dentures should be left in place to maintain the shape of the face and prevent the jaw from dropping.
Normal ranges are not applicable for this question as it does not involve any physiological measurements.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Perform the procedure prior to meals.
This is because postural drainage involves positioning the child in different ways to help drain the mucus from the lungs.
If the child has a full stomach, this can cause nausea, vomiting, or aspiration. Therefore, the nurse should perform the procedure before meals or at least 1 hour after meals.
Choice A is wrong because the nurse should not hold the hand flat to perform percussions on the child.
Percussions are rhythmic clapping on the chest wall to loosen the mucus. The nurse should use a cupped hand to create a small air pocket that enhances the vibrations and prevents bruising.
Choice B is wrong because the nurse should not perform the procedure twice a day. The recommended frequency of postural drainage is 3 to 4 times a day, or more if needed, depending on the child’s condition and tolerance.
Choice D is wrong because the nurse should not administer a bronchodilator after the procedure.
A bronchodilator is a medication that relaxes and widens the airways, making it easier to breathe. The nurse should administer a bronchodilator before the procedure to enhance the effectiveness of postural drainage.
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