Verification of Death Flashcards

1
Q

Before starting confirmation:

A
  1. Check resus status of patient. If no DNACPR must perform CPR
  2. Review the patients notes and PMH
  3. Clarify circumstances surrounding death
  4. Introduce yourself to family and offer condolences
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2
Q

1st step

A

Wash hands and put on PPE

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3
Q

2nd step

A

Confirm identity of patient by checking wristband

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4
Q

3rd step

A

Check for obvious signs of life e.g. movement/ resp effort

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5
Q

4th step

A

assess verbal stimulus response (hi, can you hear me?)

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6
Q

5th step

A

Assess pain response
- trapezius squeeze, supraorbital pressure

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7
Q

6th step

A

Assess pupillary reflexes using pen torch

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8
Q

7th step

A

Palpate carotic artery for pulse

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9
Q

8th step

A

Auscultate heart sounds for 2 mins

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10
Q

9th step

A

Auscultate lung sounds for 3 mins

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11
Q

10th step

A

Dispose of PPE and wash hands

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12
Q

Documentation to include:

A

Death confirmation in notes
Clinical findings
Time of death

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13
Q

After confirmation:

A

Inform relevant nursing staff
Consider if it needs to be referred to the coroner

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