Verification of Death Flashcards
Before starting confirmation:
- Check resus status of patient. If no DNACPR must perform CPR
- Review the patients notes and PMH
- Clarify circumstances surrounding death
- Introduce yourself to family and offer condolences
1st step
Wash hands and put on PPE
2nd step
Confirm identity of patient by checking wristband
3rd step
Check for obvious signs of life e.g. movement/ resp effort
4th step
assess verbal stimulus response (hi, can you hear me?)
5th step
Assess pain response
- trapezius squeeze, supraorbital pressure
6th step
Assess pupillary reflexes using pen torch
7th step
Palpate carotic artery for pulse
8th step
Auscultate heart sounds for 2 mins
9th step
Auscultate lung sounds for 3 mins
10th step
Dispose of PPE and wash hands
Documentation to include:
Death confirmation in notes
Clinical findings
Time of death
After confirmation:
Inform relevant nursing staff
Consider if it needs to be referred to the coroner