Response Post
- What testing do you expect to be performed to diagnose brain death?
Some test that would be done to diagnose brain death include: Brain stem reflex test ( no pupilary, corneal, gag, or oculocephalic reflex)
- What is the procedure when a patient is determined to be brain dead?
When a patient is determined to be brain dead, the physician would need to assess and declare the patient brain dead. The family would then be informed.
- Who should approach the family about organ donation?
When a patient is declared brain dead and has a organ donor card or it is stated on the patients drivers license then the provider would inform it to the local organ procurement. The organization would then verify and if the patient is eligible, they will then speak with the appropriate family member regarding the patients wishes.
The family is approached about organ donation. The patient indicated on her driver’s license that she wanted to be an organ donor. Her mother refuses to consent for organ donation.
- Do you think donation should happen anyway? Why or why not?
When a family member revokes or does not accept the donation, in most cases the donation cannot take place.
- What will be the ethical consequences of your decision?
The main ethical consequences of the decision will be, not respecting the wishes of the deceased individual. As a result, the patients waiting in the transplantation list may have to wait longer or may die.
2,.
What testing do you expect to be performed to diagnose brain death?
There arent really test that can be done to100 percent say someone is brain dead. There is test called the apnea test that is done. That test is used to monitor the respiratory reflexes and reflexes of the brainstem.
What is the procedure when a patient is determined to be brain dead?
The doctors will to speak to the family and let them know how long the loved one has had no brain activity after the apnea test has been performed. They will have them continued on the ventilator or breathing machine until the family decides to remove the patient.
Who should approach the family about organ donation?
The physician and the hospital or facility organ donor representative will discuss with the family the process of donating their loved ones organs. They will let them know organs can help others as well as give them detailed information about the process. If they wish to proceed they will fill out the paperwork that is needed and start the process after the family has had time to process their decision and say their goodbyes.
Do you think donation should happen anyway? Why or why not?
As a parent it would be hard to make that decision but the patient is an adult that has consented to being and organ donor so the wishes should be followed out and respected.
What will be the ethical consequences of your decision?
The possible ethical consequences of my decisions wouldnt present a problem because as the nurse it is my job to follow the wishes of my patient and make sure that her wishes are followed no matter how hurt the family will be. My only obligation is to my patient