Question

The nurse is caring for a comatose patient admitted following cardiopulmonary arrest. The patient is intubated, mechanically ventilated, and receiving vasopressors to maintain the pulse and blood pressure. The nurse knows a clinical diagnosis of brain death requires what? Select all that apply.

1.Apnea
2.Comatose or unresponsive
3.Poor quality of life prognosis
4.Irreversible cognitive damage
5.Absence of brainstem reflexes

Answer 1

A clinical diagnosis of brain death requires apnea, a comatose or unresponsive state, and absence of brainstem reflexes.

Step-by-step explanation:

A clinical diagnosis of brain death requires the following:

1. Apnea: The patient must have no spontaneous respiratory effort.
2. Comatose or unresponsive: The patient must show no signs of consciousness or responsiveness.
3. Absence of brainstem reflexes: The patient must have no brainstem reflexes, such as pupillary response or gag reflex.

Poor quality of life prognosis, irreversible cognitive damage, or the use of vasopressors are not criteria specific to a diagnosis of brain death.