An otherwise healthy 40-year-old woman who is brought into the emergency room (ER) with an overdose is declared brain dead and evaluated for organ donation. On her driver's license, the "Organ Donor" box is checked and there is a legal witness signature present. Identify the action to be taken next by the ER nurse.
A)Prepare the body for transfer to the operating room for organ removal.
B)Order appropriate tests for tissue typing.
C)Contact the organ procurement organization.
D)Pack the body in ice to lower metabolism and prevent deterioration of the organs.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ER nurse should contact the organ procurement organization, who will initiate the process of evaluating the potential for organ donation, coordinating necessary tests, and identifying suitable recipients for the organs. While preparing the body for transfer to the operating room for organ removal is a necessary step in the organ donation process, it should only be done after the organ procurement organization has been contacted and has given approval. Ordering appropriate tests for tissue typing and packing the body in ice may be necessary steps in the donation process, but they should also be coordinated by the organ procurement organization.

An Otherwise Healthy 40-Year-Old Woman Who Is Brought into the Emergency