Which standard practice should be continued to prevent infection after death?

• A. Privacy After Death
• B. Shroud Use
• C. Infection Control Postmortem
• D. Family Viewing

Answer: (C)

After death, pathogens can still be present on the body and in fluids, so continuing infection control measures is essential to protect staff and others who handle the body. Infection control postmortem includes using appropriate PPE (gloves, gown, mask as needed), practicing hand hygiene before and after contact, safely handling and transporting the body, proper disinfection of surfaces and instruments, and the safe disposal of contaminated waste. These steps form the ongoing safety protocol that minimizes the risk of infection during postmortem care, embalming, burial preparation, and any subsequent handling.

Other considerations like privacy after death focus on confidentiality and respect rather than reducing infection risk. Shroud use pertains to modesty and containment, which may help reduce splashes in some contexts but doesn’t address the full scope of postmortem infection prevention. Family viewing addresses psychosocial aspects and requires appropriate precautions, but the core practice for preventing infection is the sustained infection control measures applied postmortem.