Brain Death

This chapter presents a case study of a 3-month-old infant admitted with respiratory failure, traumatic brain injury, and concern for child abuse. The case study includes details about history of present illness, past medical and surgical history, and current status. The chapter also presents a set of question related to the case study, as well as rationale and evidenced-based practice explanation. The most likely diagnosis for this patient is traumatic brain injury with acute respiratory failure. The diagnosis of brain death is also appropriate in this case because of the apparent lack of brainstem function and reflexes. Coma, apnea, and the absence of brainstem reflexes are essential findings in brain death. The pupillary response to light tests cranial nerves II and III. Cranial nerves III, IV, VI, and VIII are responsible for ocular movements and are tested by performing oculovestibular testing or what is commonly called “cold caloric” testing.