Miranda was in a terrible automobile accident where she suffered extensive head injuries. Currently she has no cortical activity in her brain, but her brainstem activity continues. Her heartbeat and respirations occur on their own, but she demonstrates no consciousness or awareness of her surroundings. Miranda would best be described as
A) suffering from whole-brain death.
B) suffering from a persistent vegetative state.
C) suffering from clinical death.
D) suffering from natural death.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Miranda's lack of cortical activity, but continuing brainstem activity, suggests that she is in a persistent vegetative state. This means that while her heart and lungs continue to function, she has no awareness or consciousness of her surroundings. Whole-brain death would involve a complete cessation of all brain activity, including the brainstem. Clinical death typically refers to the moment when a person's heart stops beating and resuscitation efforts may be attempted, while natural death refers to the end of a dying process that may involve multiple organ failures.

Miranda Was in a Terrible Automobile Accident Where She Suffered