Which of the following statements accurately describes when brain death criteria is met in a potential organ donor?
The client's heart is still beating and they can breathe on their own.
The client's brain has irreversible damage and they are being maintained on life support.
The client is able to respond to stimuli and communicate with others.
The client's vital organs are no longer functioning and cannot be used for transplantation.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Brain death is a clinical diagnosis characterized by irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain, including the brainstem. If the client's heart is still beating and they can breathe on their own, it indicates preserved brainstem function, which is inconsistent with brain death criteria.
Choice B rationale
Brain death is defined as irreversible cessation of all brain functions. When a client is on life support, but their brain has sustained irreversible damage with complete loss of brainstem reflexes, they meet the criteria for brain death, allowing for organ donation consideration.
Choice C rationale
A client able to respond to stimuli and communicate with others exhibits clear signs of brain activity and consciousness. This directly contradicts the definition of brain death, which requires complete and irreversible loss of all brain function, including higher cortical functions.
Choice D rationale
While vital organs may eventually cease functioning after brain death, the initial and primary criterion for brain death is the irreversible cessation of brain function. The vital organs can often be maintained on life support for a period to facilitate organ donation, so they are not necessarily non-functioning.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["0.5"]
Explanation
Step 1 is to convert milligrams (mg) to micrograms (mcg). 0.05 mg × 1000 mcg/mg = 50 mcg.
Step 2 is to determine the number of tablets to administer. 25 mcg ÷ (50 mcg/tablet) = 0.5 tablets. The nurse would administer 0.5 tablets.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
This action is critical because immediate manual elevation of the fetal presenting part off the prolapsed umbilical cord directly alleviates cord compression, which is the primary cause of fetal hypoxia and acidosis. Sustained compression compromises umbilical blood flow, depriving the fetus of oxygen and nutrients, leading to severe bradycardia and potential neurological damage. This direct intervention aims to restore uteroplacental perfusion.
Choice B rationale
The knee-to-chest position, along with Trendelenburg or modified Sims, leverages gravity to displace the presenting fetal part away from the pelvis and the prolapsed cord. This physical repositioning reduces the pressure exerted by the fetus on the cord, thereby minimizing further compromise of blood flow and maintaining fetal oxygenation. These positions help to prevent further compression.
Choice C rationale
Continuous fetal heart tone monitoring is essential for ongoing assessment of fetal well-being, but it is not a *priority action* in the sense of directly intervening to relieve cord compression. While crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions and guiding subsequent management, the immediate physical actions to relieve pressure take precedence to mitigate acute fetal distress. Normal fetal heart rate is 110-160 beats per minute.
Choice D rationale
Prompt notification of the provider and initiation of preparations for an emergency cesarean birth are paramount because a prolapsed cord often necessitates immediate delivery to prevent prolonged fetal compromise. This action mobilizes the medical team and resources required for rapid surgical intervention, which is the definitive treatment to resolve the life-threatening situation for the fetus.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.