Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

The correct answer is to continue providing life-sustaining treatment. This is the best initial action because it preserves the possibility of organ donation while ensuring the patient receives appropriate care. It's important to note that the decision to proceed with organ donation is not made immediately and requires a formal declaration of brain death by a physician.

While contacting the organ procurement organization is an important step, it should not be the first action taken. Similarly, discussing organ donation with the family or obtaining consent are premature at this stage, as the patient's condition needs to be fully assessed and stabilized first.

The emergency nurse's primary responsibility is to provide immediate care and support life-saving measures. Only after the patient's condition is stabilized and brain death has been declared can the process of organ donation be initiated. This approach ensures that all ethical considerations are met and that the patient's previously expressed wishes can potentially be honored if medically appropriate.