If a resuscitation effort is performed on a patient later deemed deceased, what must be documented?

• A. No documentation is required.
• B. The resuscitation efforts must be documented.
• C. Only transport details.
• D. Only the final outcome.

Answer: (B)

Documentation is required for any resuscitation attempt, even if the patient is later pronounced deceased. The record should show what was done (CPR, defibrillation, airway management, medications if used), when actions began and ended, the patient’s response, and the final pronouncement. This creates a complete medical record for legal accountability, ensures continuity of care if the patient is transported or handed to hospital staff, and provides data for quality improvement and policy review. Recording only the final outcome or only transport details would omit critical information about the care actually performed and when it occurred, and failing to document at all leaves a gap in the patient’s medical record.