Define brain death.
The irreversible, complete loss of function of the entire brain (including the brainstem), even if cardiopulmonary functions can be upheld by artificial life support.
Describe the declaration of brain death.
Declaring brain death requires all of the following:
Establish irreversible coma and the possible cause (e.g., acute severe damage to the CNS consistent with brain death as established by clinical or radiologic evidence).
Brain death may not be established if one of the following is present in the patient:
Abnormal core temperature
Abnormal systolic blood pressure
Drug effects of CNS-depressing or neuromuscular blockade drugs
Abnormal laboratory values (e.g., severe electrolyte imbalance, acid-base disturbance)
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