After brain death has been determined, which of the following is a priority nursing action in caring for an organ donor?

Choice A reason:

A temperature of 96.8°F is within the normal range for a human body (97.8°F to 99.1°F). However, it does not necessarily indicate the desired effect of Dopamine. Dopamine is primarily used to improve blood flow and cardiac output, particularly in critically ill patients. Therefore, temperature alone is not a reliable indicator of its effectiveness.

Choice B reason:

Blood pressure of 110/68 mmHg suggests that the Dopamine is effectively maintaining the patient's hemodynamic stability. Dopamine is often used to support blood pressure in patients with hypotension, particularly after spinal cord injuries. Maintaining an adequate blood pressure ensures that vital organs receive sufficient blood flow, which is a key therapeutic goal of Dopamine administration.

Choice C reason:

A respiratory rate of 20 breaths/min is considered normal for an adult (12-20 breaths/min). While normal respiratory rate is a positive sign, it is not a direct measure of Dopamine's effectiveness. Dopamine's primary action is on the cardiovascular system, so a normal respiratory rate alone does not necessarily indicate that the drug is having the desired effect.

Choice D reason:

A heart rate of 70 beats/min is within the normal range for adults (60-100 beats/min). Similar to the respiratory rate, while a normal heart rate is beneficial, it is not a direct indicator of Dopamine's effectiveness. Dopamine's role in improving cardiac output and blood pressure is more critical in assessing its desired effects.

Choice A reason:

Maintaining proper body positioning is important for the overall care of a patient, but it is not the priority in the context of organ donation. The primary focus should be on ensuring the viability of the organs for transplantation.

Choice B reason:

Preventing infection is critical in any clinical setting, particularly in the care of an organ donor, as infections can compromise the quality of the organs. However, it is not the immediate priority action. The most crucial aspect is maintaining organ perfusion to ensure the organs remain viable for transplantation.

Choice C reason:

Maintaining adequate organ perfusion is the priority nursing action in caring for an organ donor. Adequate perfusion ensures that the organs receive sufficient blood flow and oxygen, which is essential for preserving their function until they can be transplanted. This action takes precedence over other considerations to ensure the success of the organ donation process.

Choice D reason:

Avoiding the use of vasopressors is important because they can impact organ perfusion and function. However, if necessary, vasopressors may be used to maintain adequate blood pressure and perfusion. The overall priority remains ensuring adequate perfusion to preserve organ function.