What is Postmortem Care?
Postmortem care, also called after-death care, is the respectful, hygienic preparation of a deceased person's body for family viewing, transport, or examination such as autopsy.
You begin immediately after death. Rigor mortis, the stiffening of the body, typically appears about 2 hours after death in the small muscles of the face, progresses to the limbs and larger muscles over the next several hours (largely complete by 6 to 8 hours), persists for roughly another 12 hours, and then resolves over the following day or so (StatPearls, Evaluation of Postmortem Changes). Algor mortis is the gradual drop in body temperature after death, falling on average about 1.5℉ (roughly 0.8℃) per hour until it reaches ambient temperature, though the rate varies with body size and environment. Livor mortis is the reddish-blue discoloration that settles in dependent areas after death, as blood pools by gravity once circulation ceases; once fixed, it does not shift when the body is repositioned (StatPearls, Evaluation of Postmortem Changes).
Equipment
- Protective barriers (gown, gloves, face shield)
- Bathing articles (water, towel, soap, washcloth, basin)
- Comb or brush
- Body bag or shroud
- Shroud kit
- Absorbent pad
- Bed screen if needed
- Containers for belongings (box or bag)
Procedure
Treat postmortem care as an extension of the person-centered care you gave in life.
- Verify identity and death documentation. Right person, right procedure. This also meets legal requirements and prevents misidentification.
- Notify the family and give them time to grieve and say goodbye. They need closure and time to make arrangements.
- Put on gloves, a gown, and a mask to protect yourself from body fluids and keep the environment hygienic. Standard precautions apply to the body after death just as they do in life (CDC, Standard Precautions).
- Position supine and elevate the head of the bed 30 degrees, or use pillows. This helps prevent facial discoloration (livor mortis).
- Remove tubes, catheters, and devices unless an autopsy is required, and clean insertion sites with antiseptic wipes. Check institutional policy on autopsies.
- Cleanse the body with gentle soap and water and dry it, maintaining dignity and preparing it for viewing.
- Place an absorbent pad under the buttocks to catch fluids released as the sphincters relax and to keep the linens clean.
- Gently close the eyes and mouth, using slight pressure if needed, for a peaceful appearance.
- Dress the body in a clean gown or family-provided attire, and brush and comb the hair.
- Cover the body with a clean sheet to the chin, arms outside the covers if possible.
- Support the family: offer time with the deceased and answer their questions.
- After the family leaves, pad the chin and fasten chin straps underneath, tied loosely above the head, to keep the head and neck aligned.
- Pad the wrists and ankles and tie them together with gauze or soft string ties to prevent limb movement.
- Place the body in a body bag or wrap it securely in a shroud for hygienic, dignified transport.
- Attach identification tags per facility protocol, including the wrist and toe, and tag personal belongings.
- Complete documentation: time of death, belongings inventory, and other required information.
- Inform the family about viewing, autopsy, or funeral arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is postmortem care?
It is the respectful, hygienic preparation of a deceased person's body for family viewing, transport, or examination such as autopsy. It pairs physical care of the body with emotional support for the family, and it begins immediately after death is pronounced.
Why is the head of the bed elevated during postmortem care?
Positioning the body supine with the head of the bed raised about 30 degrees (or supported on pillows) helps limit blood pooling in the face, reducing facial discoloration from livor mortis before the family views the body.
When should tubes and devices be removed from the body?
Remove catheters, lines, and devices and clean the insertion sites unless an autopsy or medical examiner case is involved. When death is under investigation, leave tubes and devices in place and follow facility policy, because they may be needed as evidence.
How soon does rigor mortis set in?
It typically begins about 2 hours after death in the small muscles of the face, spreads to the larger muscles over the next several hours, and is largely complete by 6 to 8 hours. Knowing this is why positioning, eye and mouth closure, and limb alignment are done early (StatPearls, Evaluation of Postmortem Changes).
Do infection precautions still apply after a patient dies?
Yes. Wear gloves, a gown, and a mask and follow standard precautions, since body fluids can still transmit infection during handling (CDC, Standard Precautions).
How does the nurse support the family during postmortem care?
Notify them promptly, give them unhurried time with the deceased to say goodbye, answer their questions plainly, and explain next steps for viewing, autopsy, or funeral arrangements. The care you show here is often what the family remembers most.