Question

A nurse is caring for a client who has severe head injuries and is declared brain dead. The transplant coordinator has spoken with the client's family about organ donation. The client's spouse states she is confused and does not know what she should do. Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?

A) "There is such a shortage of organs in this country, so I think you should go ahead and consent to donate your spouse's organs."
B) "What do you think your spouse would have wanted?"
C) "Most religions support organ donation, so don't let that stand in the way."
D) "Don't you think you will feel a little better about the situation if you donate your spouse's organs?"

Answer 1

The appropriate nurse response is to ask the spouse, "What do you think your spouse would have wanted?" regarding organ donation. Ethical principles, involving respect for autonomy and informed consent, play a critical role in such complex medical decisions, highlighting the importance of advance directives for providing guidance on personal medical wishes.

Step-by-step explanation:

B) "What do you think your spouse would have wanted?"

In situations involving organ donation, it's crucial to approach the family with sensitivity and respect for their emotions and beliefs. Asking what the spouse believes the individual would have wanted allows the nurse to engage the family in a compassionate conversation about their loved one's wishes regarding organ donation. This approach respects the autonomy and values of the patient and their family during an emotionally challenging time.

The decision to donate organs is a deeply personal one and should align with the individual's wishes or values. The nurse's role is to support the family in understanding the situation, addressing their concerns, and facilitating a decision that aligns with their understanding of the patient's preferences, rather than imposing personal opinions or beliefs on the matter.