Discuss AACN CCRN-Adult Exam Topic 2 Question 24

A patient has been declared brain dead. A nurse would like the family to consider organ donation but has never requested this from a family before. The best initial action by the nurse is to

Aconsult the organ donation liaison.

Bdirectly ask the patient's family members if they would consider organ donation.

Cfind out if the patient has an organ donor card.

Drequest that the physician discuss the issue with the family.

Suggested Answer: A

When a patient has been declared brain dead, the appropriate initial action for a nurse who has not previously discussed organ donation with a family is to consult the organ donation liaison. These professionals are trained to handle sensitive conversations about organ donation and can provide the necessary support and information to the family, ensuring that the process is handled respectfully and in accordance with legal and ethical guidelines. Reference: =

CCRN (Adult) Certification Review Course Online: Professional Caring and Ethical Practice.

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). (2024). CCRN Exam Handbook. Retrieved from AACN CCRN Exam Handbook

Adult CCRN/CCRN-E/CCRN-K Certification Review Course Online. AACN

Get Premium CCRN-Adult Questions as Interactive Web-Based Practice Test or PDF Real Exam Format Detailed Explanations Instant Access Get Your Practice Test

17 comments · newest first

Cammy 22 days ago

Good point, but the liaison can guide the physician too.

Johnna 28 days ago

I still think the physician should handle it. They have the authority.

Twanna 1 month ago

Yes, but that can come later. Initial support is key.

Valene 1 month ago

I feel like finding out about the donor card is important too.

Cammy 1 month ago

True, but it's sensitive. Better to have support first.

Johnna 2 months ago

But what if the family is ready to discuss it? Shouldn't we ask them directly?

Twanna 2 months ago

I agree, Cammy. They have the expertise for these conversations.

Cammy 2 months ago

This is tough. I think consulting the organ donation liaison is best.

Ivette 2 months ago

C could be important too, but I still lean towards A for support.

Delisa 2 months ago

Wait, why would you consult someone first? Isn’t it urgent to ask the family?

Teresita 2 months ago

I’m not so sure about A. Shouldn't the nurse just ask the family directly?

Micheal 3 months ago

Totally agree with A! Better to have guidance in such a sensitive situation.

Aileen 3 months ago

I think A is the best choice. Consulting an expert makes sense.

Chau 3 months ago

I think requesting the physician to discuss it could be a safe route, especially since the nurse is new to this kind of conversation.

Jamal 3 months ago

I feel like finding out if the patient has an organ donor card is important, but it might not be the best first step in this scenario.

Jules 3 months ago

I'm not really sure, but I remember a practice question where we had to consider the family's feelings first. Maybe asking them directly could be appropriate?

Carmen 4 months ago

I think the best option might be to consult the organ donation liaison first. It seems like they would have more experience in these sensitive situations.

AACN CCRN-Adult Exam - Topic 2 Question 24 Discussion