Which action is described as part of postmortem care in the trauma setting?

• A. Cleaning blood from the floor
• B. Removing all medical devices from the patient
• C. Performing a full autopsy immediately
• D. Discharging the next of kin

Answer: (A)

Postmortem care in the trauma setting centers on preparing the body and the environment with respect and safety after death. Cleaning up blood or body fluids from the floor is a practical, necessary step to prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens, maintain a sanitary environment, and honor the dignity of the patient. Other actions aren’t part of routine postmortem care: removing all medical devices immediately isn’t automatic and depends on policy and procedures; a full autopsy is a separate medical/legal process rather than a routine postmortem task; and coordinating with or supporting the next of kin is important, but “discharging” them isn’t a nursing postmortem duty.