Death verification 4.9 DEATH VERIFICATION 1. Introduction and approach to the deceased patient No elements 1 2 3 4 All elements 5 4 All elements 5 2. Inspection of the deceased patient No elements 1 2 3 3. Palpation and auscultation of the deceased patient No elements 1 2 3 4 All elements 5 2 3 4 All elements 5 3 4 All elements 5 4 4. Special tests No elements 1 5. Documentation in patient’s notes No elements 1 2 Overall impression Clear fail 1 Borderline fail 2 Acceptable 3 Good 4 Excellent 5 Please record specific feedback below for discussion: 196e1 Death verification 4 SPECIFIC CHECKLIST FOR THIS STATION 1. Introduction and approach to the deceased patient • Confirms the patient’s identity checking both medical records and name tag on wrist • Washes hands or applies hand gel prior to examination • Maintains privacy and dignity throughout examination • Ensures that the patient is fully covered following the examination 2. Inspection of the deceased patient • Comments on presence or absence of external signs of rigor mortis • Assesses pupillary reflexes using a pen torch and comments upon their absence • Watches for spontaneous movement/respiratory effort and comments upon their absence Palpation and auscultation of the deceased patient • Palpates for carotid or femoral pulse for at least 1 min and comments upon its absence • Assesses for motor/withdrawal response to painful stimuli and comments upon its absence • Listens for heart and breath sounds for at least 2 min and comments upon their absence Special tests • Assesses corneal reflexes using cotton wool if provided • Checks for presence of pacemaker and comments on its presence or absence Documentation in patient’s notes • • • • 196e2 Records date and time of verification Summarises examination findings and documents clearly Documents presence of pacemaker if in situ Signs and dates records clearly