A client hospitalized for injuries from a motor vehicle crash is diagn

A client hospitalized for injuries from a motor vehicle crash is diagnosed with higher brain death. What findings support this client’s diagnosis?

1. Episodic coughing
2. No cephalic reflexes
3. Not breathing spontaneously
4. Inconsistent cardiac function on the heart monitor
5. Electroencephalogram showed no activity for 30 minutes

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 2, 3, 5

Rationale 1: Episodic coughing might be a reflex or an attempt to clear the airway. This is not a manifestation of higher brain death.

Rationale 2: Evidence of higher brain death includes absence of cephalic reflexes.

Rationale 3: Evidence of higher brain death includes apnea.

Rationale 4: Inconsistent cardiac function on the heart monitor indicates the client is still alive.

Rationale 5: Evidence of higher brain death includes absence of cephalic reflexes, apnea, and an isoelectric electroencephalogram for at least 30 minutes.