After an unsuccessful resuscitation attempt, the nurse calls the family of the deceased.

The family wish to see the body before it is taken to the funeral home.

Which intervention(s) should the nurse take to prepare the body before the family enters the room? (Select all that apply.).

The correct answer is Choice C: Assign the remainder of medication administration to another PN who is performing treatments.

Choice A rationale: Denying the medication aide's request to leave before all medications are given does not address the issue at hand and could potentially jeopardize patient care. It is important to acknowledge the medication aide's request and find an appropriate solution that ensures patient safety and well-being.

Choice B rationale: Delegating medication administration to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) who may not have the necessary training or authorization could lead to medication errors, adverse drug reactions, or other negative outcomes. It is essential to adhere to the scope of practice guidelines and facility policies when assigning tasks to UAPs.

Choice C rationale: Reassigning the medication administration to another PN with the necessary qualifications and training ensures that patients receive their medications in a safe and timely manner. This action aligns with the practical nurse's responsibility to supervise and delegate tasks appropriately, maintaining patient safety and upholding the standards of care.

Choice D rationale: Documenting why medications were not given to each resident is an important aspect of maintaining accurate and comprehensive patient records. However, it does not address the immediate need to administer medications to residents, and it is not a substitute for ensuring that patients receive their prescribed treatments. Documentation should be completed after the appropriate steps have been taken to administer medications or arrange for an alternative solution.

The correct answers are Choices B, C, D, and E.

Choice A rationale: Dentures should remain in place to preserve facial structure and dignity. Removing them may cause facial collapse, distressing the family during viewing and violating postmortem presentation standards.

Choice B rationale: Gently closing the eyes prevents ocular drying and maintains a peaceful appearance. If eyelids resist closure, moistened cotton balls may be used temporarily to assist with natural positioning.

Choice C rationale: Placing a small pillow under the head elevates it, preventing blood pooling and facial discoloration due to livor mortis. It supports a natural, respectful presentation for family viewing.

Choice D rationale: Applying a body shroud ensures hygienic containment and visual dignity. It’s standard practice before transport and aligns with institutional protocols for respectful postmortem care.

Choice E rationale: Removing resuscitation equipment reduces trauma triggers for the family, restores environmental calm, and supports emotional closure. It also complies with facility standards for postmortem room preparation.