A nurse cares for a client on life support who has been declared brain dead. Which intervention is appropriate at this time?

Question

A nurse cares for a client on life support who has been declared brain dead.  Which intervention is appropriate at this time?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Local organ procurement services (OPS) are notified for every client death, per hospital protocol (Option B). If the client is deemed appropriate as a donor, then OPS collaborate with hospital staff in approaching the client's family about organ donation. Cardiac support (eg, dopamine, epinephrine) and respiratory support (eg, ventilator) continue as organ donation is discussed and/or performed. Life support is withdrawn only if the client is not a candidate for donation due to physiological reasons or the client/family does not consent. (Option A) Organ donation is discussed before final arrangements and funeral plans are made. In most cases, the family is referred to the hospital chaplain or someone outside the hospital for assistance with final arrangements. (Option C) Medical and nursing care would continue as organ donation is discussed due to organ and tissue perfusion being necessary for viable donation. (Option D) Local OPS are contacted before life support is removed so that physiological support is continued in the event that the client is a viable donor. Educational objective: All client deaths are reported to local organ procurement services, per hospital protocol. Life support is continued until a decision for organ donation is reached so that organs and tissues continue to receive perfusion and oxygenation.

A Nurse Cares for a Client on Life Support Who