After a patient has died, what is the appropriate action for the technician to take?

The appropriate action for the technician to take after a patient has died is to secure any of the patient's valuables. This step is crucial because it helps protect the deceased's personal belongings and ensures they are safeguarded until the proper arrangements can be made by the family or designated representatives. This action demonstrates respect for the patient's dignity and helps maintain trust in the healthcare environment.

In the context of the incorrect options, requesting an autopsy is not typically the responsibility of the patient care technician; this decision involves the family and medical professionals. Declaring the patient legally dead is a task reserved for licensed healthcare providers, not technicians. Additionally, placing the body in the prone position is not a standard protocol following a patient's death; instead, the body is usually placed in a supine position to maintain dignity and facilitate post-mortem care.