A patient in the intensive care unit is having brainstem reflexes assessed to validate brain death. What assessment finding would validate the diagnosis of brain death? Select all that apply.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

1. Pupils that are unreactive to light or accommodation indicate brain death.
2. A lack of corneal reflexes indicates brain death.
3. Absence of cough reflex indicates brain death.
4. Grimacing to noxious stimuli indicates intact brain pathways.
5. An involuntary gag reflex indicates intact brain pathways.

A Patient in the Intensive Care Unit Is Having Brainstem