A 65-Year-Old Man Was Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit

A 65-year-old man was admitted to the intensive care unit after going into cardiac arrest when alone at home.  Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and advanced cardiac life support were performed extensively in the field, and return of spontaneous circulation was eventually achieved.  Two days later, he remains intubated and is on full ventilator support.  The patient is unresponsive to verbal and tactile stimuli.  His temperature is 37.2 C (99 F) , blood pressure is 110/70 mm Hg, and pulse is 70/min.  The treating physician discusses with the patient's family the possibility of brain death. The patient is diagnosed with brain death.  The physician explains this finding to the patient's family and discusses withdrawing of mechanical ventilator support.  Everyone in the family appears to understand and agrees to proceed with withdrawing ventilatory support.  A relative then walks into the patient's room and notices some movements in the patient's legs and toes.  The relative believes the patient is not dead and gets angry with the treating physician.  Which of the following is the most appropriate response to the relative's reaction?

A) Arrange for apnea testing to confirm diagnosis of brain death
B) Explain calmly that it is possible to see spontaneous limb movements in patients with brain death
C) Observe patient for 24 hours to document further muscle activity
D) Obtain neurology consultation
E) Order electromyogram to evaluate further

Correct Answer:

Verified

Unlock this answer now
Get Access to more Verified Answers free of charge

Access For Free