Psychosocial Integrity Nclex PN Questions Related

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In the United States, several definitions of death are currently being used. The definition that uses apnea testing and pupillary responses to light is termed:

  • A. whole brain death.
  • B. heart-lung death.
  • C. circulatory death.
  • D. higher brain death.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'whole brain death.' Most protocols for determining whole brain death require two separate clinical examinations, including the induction of painful stimuli, pupillary responses to light, oculovestibular testing, and apnea testing. This comprehensive approach ensures that all functions of the brain, including the brainstem, are evaluated to confirm the absence of brain function. Choices B and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the specific tests required for determining whole brain death. Choice C, 'circulatory death,' does not involve the evaluation of brain function and is not a current definition of death in the United States.