Emotional SupportQuestion 161 of 200
Standard post-mortem care positioning is to:
a.Place the body in a side-lying position with knees flexed
b.Place the body supine in good alignment with the head slightly elevated on a pillow, eyelids closed, dentures replaced if possible, before rigor mortis sets in
c.Place the body face-down to prevent fluid drainage
d.Position knees drawn to chest in a fetal position
Explanation
Standard post-mortem care: supine, good body alignment, head slightly elevated on a pillow (to prevent facial discoloration from blood pooling), eyelids gently closed, dentures replaced before rigor mortis (begins ~2-4 hours after death), clean linens, and dignity maintained. Identify body per facility policy (usually two ID tags: wrist/ankle and outside of shroud or bag). Honor cultural practices first. Side-lying (a), prone (c), and fetal (d) are not standard and may impair dignity and identification. 42 CFR §483.10 protects dignity in all care, including post-mortem.
Law Reference: 42 CFR §483.10; Title 22 CCR §72527Practice all 200 questions free — no signup required.
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