I. Purpose
- To prepare the body for the morgue.
- To prevent discoloration or deformity of the body.
- To protect the body from post mortom discharge.
II. Equipments
Tray with:
- Basin of warm water, a basin of lysol solution 2%
- Soap in dish, pair of scissors, comb or brush
- Bath towel and wash cloth
- Surgical dressings p.r.n.
- Mortuary pack: should, diaper sheet 2 death tags, non-absorbent cotton, pins, bandages, forceps.
- Bed screen
III. Points to Remember
- Respect the dead body. Avoid unnecessary exposure and irrelevant conversations.
- The body should be identified properly.
- Clothing’s, jewelry and other valuables or belongings must be kept and cared for properly.
IV. Procedure
- The patient has pronounced dead by the doctor, place the body in dorsal position with only a small pillow under the head. Straighten
- See that dentures are placed in the mouth if patient has any
- Remove all appliances; catheters, drainage tubings, Venoclysis sets, etc.
- Close the eves and mouth when open.
- Eyes—bring upper lid down to the lower and apply gentle pressure over it for a while.
- Mouth—bring the jaws together by placing a rolled towel under the chin.
- Remove extra bed linen and camisa. Leave one sheet to cover the body.
- Bathe the body using the Lysol solution to rinse.
- Change surgical dressings p.r.n. Pack anus with cotton. Vagina (if female). If there is any discharge from the nose and mouth, pack them too. Use forceps.
- Place the diaper.
- Full hands over the chest. Pad wrists with cotton and the tie the 2 wrists together with bandage. Attach one tag to the wrist.
- Pad the ankles and tie them together.
- Put on the shroud. Wrap body with a sheet well. Attach the other tag at the center
- Cover the prepared body with a sheet and notify the head nurse or call for the messenger to take the body to the morgue.
