A patient in the intensive care unit is having brainstem reflexes assessed to validate brain death

Question

What assessment findings would validate the diagnosis of brain death? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply. 1. Pupils do not respond to light or accommodation
2. Absent corneal reflex
3. No cough reflex to bronchial suctioning
4. Grimacing to noxious stimuli
5. Involuntary gag reflex upon stimulation of the posterior pharynx

Answer 1

1,2,3
Rationale 1: Pupils that are unreactive to light or accommodation indicate brain death.
Rationale 2: A lack of corneal reflexes indicates brain death.
Rationale 3: Absence of cough reflex indicates brain death.
Rationale 4: Grimacing to noxious stimuli indicates intact brain pathways.
Rationale 5: An involuntary gag reflex indicates intact brain pathways.