What it means
A careful medical exam of a body after death, done by a pathologist, which can include looking at the organs and testing tissue. Some autopsies are required by law and ordered by a medical examiner or coroner, as after a sudden, unexplained, violent or suspicious death. Others are done with the family's consent to learn more about an illness.
For the nurse
When a death may be a medical examiner's case, follow policy and leave tubes, lines and drains in place. Some faiths discourage or forbid autopsy, so ask about the family's wishes, and answer their questions about consent.
At a glance
| Also written | autopsies |
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Related terms
postmortem care
The care given to a person's body after death, preparing it with respect for the family and for transport.