Your patient is a 23-year-old female with a history of headaches. This morning she was experiencing a really bad headache as her boyfriend was driving her to the university. He thought she was sleeping and by the time they got to the school, 45 minutes later, she was not waking up. She was diagnosed with a cerebral aneurysm and you are taking care of her in the Neurological ICU.
Who should approach the family about organ donation?
Answer preview
If the patient had not signed a donor card, an organ procurement organization (OPO) professional should approach the family. According to Arnold (2002), the OPO professionals usually undergo specific training on engaging families during such a trying time. In their engagement, they inform the family about their purpose and support them in the decision-making process. Notably, they ensure that the family receives the needed psychological support during the grieving period.
