[debbyed]

As with the others you have my sympathies. Regardless of whether a patient is an M.E. case both the patient and the patients family need to be respected. If the family was not at the bedside during the code, than the physician should meet with them prior to explain everything that happened including any disfigurements (ET tube, NGT etc). It is the Nurses responsibility to make that patient as presentable as possible prior to family viewing the patient. The patient can be covered with clean sheet/blankets and I always leave the least affected hand out for the family to hold. I'll place chairs at that side of the bed for them.

What you experience was unacceptable regardless of where you are (unless the police have custody of the body, than family usually aren't allowed to touch the person and sometimes not allowed in the room)

I would think this type of behavior would do more in promoting the family to question legal action than if you and the patient had been treated with the respect and dignity you all deserved.

I would strongly suggest that you request (make that demand) a meeting with the hospital administrator and the nurse manager. I know it won't help you or your family but it may keep another family from having the same nightmare as you.

[indigo girl]

I am very sorry for your loss, and for the way your family had to view your uncle. They may not have the energy to deal with the hospital at this time.
I do hope that they will later, or perhaps designate another family member to do so.

[silentfades]

Lisky 90 --

I am also sorry about your loss that was so sudden. I have been many times responsible for a newly deceased. As so many others have said the ET and all other equiptment that is inserted during a code stays in the body.
I have no idea as also expressed by others why this gentleman was not given the respect of a reasonable presentation to the family.
I have always made it a piont (if possible) to talk to the family prior to seeing the deceased explaining the ET tube and what ever else is obvious.
I also leave the crash cart / vent or any other equiptment in the room (if possible) so that the family can realize that everything was done.
Again my thoughts and condolences.


Marc

[silentfades]

Tridil2000 -- A question .....
I am asking you about the cooling blanket after three hours. I never realized or heard of this. The head is always lowered immediately for viewing so that I was aware of.

Since the body temp drops and rigor mortis sets why the cooling blaket? I have also seen when death occurs at home the coroner can take many hours to arrive and there is no cooling blanket procedure done.
Where I am from though it has always been a large hosp. and we had a refrig to put the body in so perhaps in your facility doent have one ?

As well in the facilities I have been in the policies have been the body is to be out of the ER/ICCU in 60 minutes or so.

If the family is traveling and it is going to take longer they are asked to wait then the body is pulled out and the viewing takes place in a quiet room adjacent to morgue referig room.

Please explain this to me and is this a newer protocol in hospitals for care of the deceased?

Thank you ahead of time for your response.

Marc

[OR2ER]

I'm so sorry for your loss..
I usually don't let the family sees the patient unless i cleaned him/her up..and hopefully then the family can see him in a more"presentable way".I tell them that tubes/IV lines are still intact for coroner's case.IF and ever a nurse overlook this..chaplain is always around to double check.