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Discussion

Questions about post mortem care.

New nurse here so I will have silly questions from time to time. Recently at my hospice job, I've run into some problems with the post mortem care. My first few patients that passed away had their mouths closed and eyes closed but the last couple have not. When providing post mortem care, I can't get their eyes to close and I don't understand how I'm supposed to close their mouths. My employer told me to roll up a towel under the chin for the mouth and the eyelids should just close if I move them. I tried the towel thing but it didn't work as the patient was supine. And when I tried to close the eyes, they just kept opening back up. I'd really love some suggestions as the other nurses I work with haven't been much help (usually just telling me it's fine and just leave it). How do you deal with these issues?

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    It's fine, just leave it.

    The important thing is to show respect as you do postmortem care. He mortician will typically take care of the mouth and eyes if needed.

    I often ask the family if they wish to help wash the body; if there are any tubes such as SQ ports or catheters I'll take those out before bring the family back in the room if I am able. If there are wounds that might be disturbing to the family I will cover them, and if they are infected or draining , I will put an occlusive dressing over them.

    I will often hold the hand and touch the cheek of the body before I start my care and I will say something like "you did good" then I'll give their hand a squeeze. I do this to convey that it is ok fir any family members to touch and talk to the person to help them express their grief, their love, or whatever they need to say.

    I hope this helps.

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    As much as we may try, sometimes there is simply nothing to be done about open eyes and mouths. One mortician did tell me that a little Vaseline on the lower lid can help the eyelids stay closed but a rolled up towel underneath the chin does not usually seem to help in my experience. Just do the best you can and be respectful and reverent. This is what the families will remember and it will set the tone for their own goodbyes.

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    I reassure the families that the funeral home will take care of the mouth and don't spend a lot of time on it. I used to roll up a towel and put it under the chin but this made the patient look very unnatural for the family to view.

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