NCLEX-RNManagement of CareMedium
A client who is declared brain dead is being evaluated as a potential organ donor. The client's driver's license indicates organ donor status, but the family is present and distressed, stating they do not want organ donation to proceed. What is the nurse's most appropriate action?
- AAsk the physician to make the final decision based on family wishes alone
- BInform the family that the client's documented wishes on the license will be honored regardless of their objections
- CCancel the donation process immediately because the family objects
- DSupport the family while the organ procurement organization discusses the client's documented donor status with them
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Support the family while the organ procurement organization discusses the client's documented donor status with them
The legally documented donor status generally takes precedence, but the organ procurement organization (OPO), not the bedside nurse, is responsible for discussing donation with the family. The nurse's role is to provide support and facilitate communication, not to make unilateral statements or decisions.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The physician does not have sole authority to override client's own documented wishes; OPO handles this discussion.
- B. While legally the donor card may be honored, it is not the nurse's role to declare this unilaterally to a grieving family.
- C. Canceling the donation is not within the nurse's authority and may not align with the client's legal wishes.
Organ Donation & Advocacy
When a client has documented donor status, the organ procurement organization coordinates discussion with family; the nurse's role is to support, not decide or announce.
- Documented donor status generally legally stands
- OPO representatives lead donation discussions with family
- Nurse's role is emotional support and communication facilitation
- Family objections require sensitive, specialized handling
Memory trick: Let OPO lead, nurse just feed support instead.