Georgia State Board of Funeral Service Practice Exam

Which professionals can make a pronouncement of death in the absence of a physician?

1. Only a nurse

2. Only a Coroner

3. A licensed RN and Coroner

4. Anyone with medical knowledge

The correct answer is: A licensed RN and Coroner

The option indicating that a licensed registered nurse (RN) and a coroner can make a pronouncement of death in the absence of a physician is accurate. In many jurisdictions, both licensed RNs and coroners are authorized to determine and officially declare that a person has died. RNs typically have the training and qualifications to assess vital signs and recognize the absence of life, allowing them to make such pronouncements in specific contexts, such as in hospitals or under certain conditions. Their education equips them with the necessary medical knowledge to evaluate the situation adequately. Coroners also play a crucial role in death investigations. They often have specialized training in forensic science and are responsible for determining the cause of death, especially in cases involving unexpected, unexplained, or undeterminable fatalities. Coroners are often called to the scene when a death occurs outside of a medical facility, and their pronouncement is vital in legal and investigative contexts. The understanding that both of these professionals can make a pronouncement of death underscores the collaboration in healthcare and legal frameworks, particularly in situations where immediate medical intervention is not possible or where a death needs certification for legal purposes. This clarity is essential in ensuring that the procedures surrounding death are managed effectively and within the bounds of the law.