THE IMPORTANCE OF THE NURSE IN THE CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF BRAIN DEATH PATIENTS

Abstract

Brain death is considered a condition resulting from the complete loss of brain activity. This event may be due to different factors, which may be due to the consequences of physical injuries, as well as pathological ones. In both cases, such damage is directed to the central nervous system, causing it to no longer perform its functions. Due to the irreversible nature of the brain death condition, its diagnosis is expected to be something that requires great caution on the part of the professionals involved. Proof of early brain death is of fundamental importance for the viability of organ donation, if this is in the interest of family members and, if so, it is necessary to provide adequate support and information to the patient's family members, welcoming them, so that they can collaborate during this process, this being the responsibility of the nursing team. The objective of the work is to discuss the importance of nursing professionals in caring for and maintaining the viability of patients with brain death, focusing on the feasibility of organ donation. To carry out this scientific study, the method chosen to support the research was a descriptive review of the literature, with the main character being the conceptual exposition of the different focuses relating to the topic. To collect data, online collections and literature were used, with the help of the Google Scholar platform for articles and books. The sources of information included in this review have publication dates from 2010 to 2023.