Stages Of Death


As a nurse, it is inevitable to experience death of patients. Some happen as expected and some are not. But for student nurses having their exposure on areas like the Emergency Room, Intesive Care Unit, or Medicine Ward, it is important to know the stages of death/dying which are typically asked by clinical instructors. It can also help on immediate postmortem care to avoid any unnecessary problems.

First Stage: Algor Mortis
This is the first most noticeable change on the body postmortem. It is characterized by a gradual change in body temperature, typically known as "cooling" of the whole body.


Second Stage: Rigor Mortis
In this stage, chemical reactions inside the body causes the muscles to be stiffen or become stiff. This is also known as the "Stiffening Stage".

Third Stage: Livor Mortis
The last stage will be noticed by looking at the deceased person's skin or fingernails. It is characterized by a "bluish discoloration" as a result of lack of oxygen because the blood circulation has stopped.

In case you are wondering, the terms are in latin and second word "Mortis" means "death".

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