Explain how to manage patients who are identified as organ donors.

What is required for consent to organ donation?

It must be voluntary and informed (knowing).

How is consent for organ donation usually evidenced?

By a donor card or a driver’s license indicating the individual wishes to be a donor.

Who may you need to consult regarding organ donation?

Medical control.

When might a patient who is not successfully resuscitated be a potential organ donor?

Typically after in-hospital cardiac arrest, but sometimes after specific out-of-hospital cardiac arrests near specialized centers.

How should you treat a potential organ donor?

The same as any patient needing treatment.

Why is it important to keep a potential organ donor alive?

Donated organs (kidney, heart, liver, etc.) require oxygen at all times; without it, organs may be damaged and unusable.