What term describes the care of the body after death?

• A. Postmortem Care
• B. Sundowning
• C. Task Segmentation
• D. Sims Position

Answer: (A)

Care of the body after death is called postmortem care. This care centers on respecting the person who has died and supporting the family during the grieving process. The CNA’s role includes preparing the body for viewing if requested, ensuring modesty and privacy, cleaning as needed, placing the body in a natural, comfortable position, adjusting facial features, placing dentures if present, and removing or securing jewelry per policy and family wishes. It also involves closing the eyes, covering the body with a shroud or sheet, and documenting the time of death and any required information per facility policy. Preparing for transport to the morgue, labeling, and following legal requirements are part of the process as well, all while maintaining dignity, cultural and religious considerations, and safety for the staff.

Other terms describe different concepts: Sundowning refers to increased confusion in some people with dementia during the evening, task segmentation is a planning method for breaking work into steps, and Sims position is a specific left-side-lying posture used for certain procedures.