Death Flashcards
Denial
Coping method. “It can’t be true”
Stages of death
Denial Anger Bargaining Depression Acceptance
Anger
As denial resolves, it is replaced with questioning and feelings of anger, rage and resentment and projected onto others.
Bargaining
“If I can just love until…” Or “I promise if you let me live…”
Depression
Deeply saddened, May withdrawal, cry, may be present for awhile
Acceptance
The patient feels he/she has taken care of all of his/her unfinished business with others and that the work is done and accepts death and no longer fears it
Loss
The absence of an object, person, body part or function.
Actual loss
Loss of a person or object that can no longer be experienced (touched, seen, heard etc) pretty evident to others
Perceived loss
Loss of confidence, self esteem, etc. it’s not so readily seen by others. Involves same grieving of an actual loss
Anticipatory loss
Loss and the process of grief is experienced before the loss actually happens.
Maturational loss
Change in development process that accompanies normal transition such as retirement
Situational loss
Any sudden, unexpected or unpredictable event
Bereavement
Encompasses both grief and mourning
Grief
Total response of emotional expression of loss, manifested of feelings, anger, crying
Mourning
Outward social expression of the loss. Behavioral process which grief is eventually loss
Types of grief
Normal grief
Anticipatory grief
Complicated grief
Normal grief
Resentment, grief, crying, anger etc
Anticipatory grief
Grieving before loss occurs; risks: family May withdrawal to soon or can’t reconnect with the one who was intended to pass but didn’t
Chronic grief (form of complicated grief)
Continues to grieve but is unable to move on in life
Delayed grief (complicated grief)
Normal reaction, surpassed or postponed reaction
Exaggerated grief
Person becomes so overwhelmed with grief that one can’t function
Rigor Mortis
Stiffening of the body
Algor Mortis
Change in body temperature
Livor Mortis
Purple discoloration of the body
Care of the body after death
- ) make environment clean and body appear comfortable.
- ) remove all equipment and supplies.
- ) remove soiled linens.
- ) place the body in the supine position.
- ) put a pillow under the head.
- ) Close the eyelids.
- ) insert dentures and close the mouth
- ) put on a clean gown and comb the hair
- ) remove the jewelry
- ) pull the top cover to the shoulder and place arms folded outside on top of the cover
- ) organize clothing and valuables to take home.
Another version of care of the body after death
Perform all preliminary activities, including elevating patient head (completed first in case of delays in other activities), confirming organ donation, talking to family, and requesting support persons for the family. Perform activities that could lead to resoiling the body (specimens and tube removal) before bathing and positioning the patient. Tag the body before transport to the morgue but after the family has viewed the body.