Question

A client with a severe traumatic brain injury has an organ donor card in his wallet. Which nursing action is appropriate?

Request a directive form the client's primary health care provider.
Ask the family if they agree to organ donation for the client.
c. Wait until brain death is determined before acting on organ donation.
d. Contact the local organ procurement organization as soon as possible.

Answer 1

The correct nursing action for a client with a severe traumatic brain injury who is an organ donor is to wait until brain death is determined before acting on organ donation, respecting the patient's wishes and adhering to medical guidelines.

Step-by-step explanation:

The subject of this question pertains to a client with a severe traumatic brain injury who possesses an organ donor card. In such cases, it is crucial for a nurse to perform the appropriate action regarding potential organ donation. The priority is to ensure respect for the patient's wishes while adhering to medical and ethical guidelines. Therefore, the most appropriate nursing action would be c. Wait until brain death is determined before acting on organ donation. It is essential to follow due process to ensure that the patient is legally and medically declared brain dead before initiating organ donation procedures. In the meantime, maintaining contact with the local organ procurement organization is sensible, to prepare for potential donation once brain death is confirmed.