Brain Death
Definition of brain death
Irreversible cessation of all functions of the whole brain, which means brain death.
How long does an apnea test last?
8-10 minutes
What is injected into the patient prior to the CBF test start?
Dye/Contrast
How is family readiness gauged?
Body language and verbal cues
What is Legal Next of Kin
LNOK
What are some causes of brain death
Anoxic events, cva's (strokes), blunt trauma
What does the apnea test look for?
Respiratory drive
What does CBF stand for?
What type of questions should we ask families?
Open-ended
What is cerebral blood flow?
CBF
What happens to the brain once blood and oxygen supply is cut off?
Swelling occurs and brain stem dies
Who performs the apnea test?
Physician with the help of a Respiratory Therapist
What does the CBF look for?
If there is any blood/oxygen getting to the brain
How do we know when LNOK's understand brain death?
When they express their understanding of knowing their loved one is dead and/or can explain brain death back.
What is over-breathing the vent?
OBV
What tests are performed to determine brain death?
Bedside clinical, apnea, cerebral blood flow (cbf)
What will rise to determine if the patient is brain dead?
C02 (Carbon dioxide)
Who performs the CBF? What department?
Nuclear Medicine
Who do you call for all family-related questions?
FOC
What are Referral Specialist and Case Specialist?
RS/CS
What are the brain stem reflexes
Pupils, Corneals, cough, gag, obv, w/d to pain
What takes place prior to the apnea test?
Pre-oxygenation of at least 30 minutes.
Why does cerebral blood flow stop in brain death?
Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is considered the most important pathophysiological mechanism of BD leading to a complete cessation of intracranial blood flow.
What should we introduce ourselves to families?
Greet them introduce with first and last name and we are with Southwest Transplant Alliance, please call me first name.
What is Family on Call?
FOC