Autopsy 101 (CE)

Although autopsy remains the only definitive way to confirm and sometimes diagnose disease, the autopsy rate has continued to decline during the past 3 decades. Despite numerous publications citing its value, the nursing literature lacks information addressing the benefits and implications of the autopsy to nurses who provide direct care to older adults. This article provides geriatric nurses with information about the benefits, purpose, process, and barriers of autopsy to better inform nurses as they ease family concerns and assist physicians in obtaining consent for autopsy.