The charge nurse audits care when death is imminent or has occurred. Which actions require follow-up? Highlight the actions that can delay or bypass the organ donation referral process.
Highlight in Table
Choose your responses, then check the answer.
Explanation
Waiting for the family to ask, letting the bedside nurse determine eligibility, and stopping support before the organ procurement organization evaluates suitability require follow-up. Refer promptly and preserve the designated roles.
Quick answer Highlight waiting for a family request, allowing the bedside nurse to rule out eligibility, and stopping support before the organ procurement organization completes its determination. Each action can close a donation pathway too early.
Why this is correct Federal hospital conditions require timely notification to the organ procurement organization when death is imminent or has occurred. The organization, not the bedside nurse, determines medical suitability using the clinical information. Continuing ordered support during evaluation preserves options while the designated team communicates with the family and honors the final decision.[2]
Easy analogy or mental picture Picture a relay race. The hospital identifies the possible donor and passes complete information; the organ procurement organization evaluates suitability and coordinates the donation discussion. Dropping the baton before the handoff prevents the next team from doing its job.
Memory hook Refer early; let the designated team decide suitability.
NCLEX decision rule When death is imminent or confirmed, think timely organ procurement organization notification; check the hospital trigger, maintain ordered support, and avoid personally ruling a client in or out.
Why the other choices are wrong Providing records, documenting the response, using a designated requestor, continuing ordered care, and respecting an informed refusal all preserve the correct roles. These actions do not pressure the family or promise that donation will occur.
References
[1]
NCSBN: 2026 NCLEX-RN Test PlanNational Council of State Boards of Nursing
[2]
eCFR: 42 CFR 482.45 Organ, Tissue, and Eye ProcurementU.S. Government Publishing Office