A patient was admitted several weeks ago with an acute myocardial infarction and subsequently underwent coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.Since a cardiac arrest 5 days ago,the patient has been unresponsive.An electroencephalogram shows no meaningful brain activity.The decision is made to remove the patient from the ventilator.Which of the following statements is most accurate?
A) The cardiac monitor should be left on so everyone will know when the patient has died.
B) Opioids, sedatives, and neuromuscular blocking agents should be discontinued just before removing the ventilator.
C) The family and health care team should decide the best method for removing the ventilator terminal wean versus immediate extubation.
D) If terminal weaning is selected, the family should be sent to the waiting room until the ventilator has actually been removed.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The choice of terminal wean as opposed to extubation is based on considerations of access for suctioning,appearance of the patient for the family,how long the patient will survive off the ventilator,and whether the patient has the ability to communicate with loved ones at the bedside.

A Patient Was Admitted Several Weeks Ago with an Acute