Safety and Infection ControlQuestion 292 of 2368

The nurse is confirming that a client has died. How long should the nurse listen for an apical heartbeat?

  1. One full minute
  2. Fifteen seconds
  3. Thirty seconds
  4. Two full minutes
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Correct answer: One full minute

The nurse listens to the apical heartbeat for one full minute to ensure and document that death has occurred.

Source: Nursing Fundamentals, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2024), Grief and Loss: Death and Postmortem Care. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Safety and Infection Control"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026