A patient with a traumatic brain injury is being evaluated for brain death. Which findings should the nurse expect in this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Brain death is characterized by the absence of brainstem reflexes, including the gag or coral reflex (A), the oculovestibular reflex (B), and the inability to breathe independently as shown by an apnea test with a PaCO2 threshold typically above 60 mmHg indicating a lack of respiratory drive (C). Toxic metabolic disorders (D) and response to deep stimuli (E) are not consistent with brain death criteria.

A Patient with a Traumatic Brain Injury Is Being Evaluated