Background: In Sweden about 19000 people fall victims of sudden death every year. This covers around 20% of all deaths. Relatives are those who are closest to the patient, regardless of the type of relationship. When a patient suddenly dies this affects the relatives and they can suffer from high risk of complicated grief reactions or crises. Being the nearest professional contact in these situations, the nurse has an important role in supporting and guiding the relatives.

Aim: The aim of this literature review was to nominate the relatives' needs of support from the nurse when a loved person suddenly dies.

Method: The literature review was based on seven articles with a quality approach.

Results:The analysis resulted in four themes; "to be seen and confirmed", "information", "take farewell" and "follow-up ".

To be able to give support both mentally and physically, it is important for the nurse to give proper attention to the relatives. The nurse supports according to individual circumstances, giving clear and concise information. With privacy, peace and quiet the nurse may create the conditions for a dignified farewell. Afterwards, when the shock phase subsides, many questions need to be answered and a follow-up meeting is important.

Conclusion:

As nurses we will meet with relatives of patients who have suddenly died. Our results are, however, useful in all types of care, not only in cases of sudden death. The nurse´s attention to the relatives is an important factor in health care. Knowledge about the benefits of taking care of relatives in a situation of sudden death is, currently insufficient. Knowledge of the reactions of relatives who are confronted with sudden death needs to be further explored and existing research needs to be conducted / implemented in health care.