Participants will be presented with a head injury patient who after three days post motor vehicle accident shows no signs of neurologic improvement. As the scenario progresses, participants will be prompted to make decisions regarding neurologic assessments, treatment/intervention recommendations, apnea test criteria and communication strategies with family.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the preparation, process and diagnostic criteria required for Determination of Death by Neurologic Criteria (DNC) in the ventilated patient.
- Understand the role of the respiratory therapist in ensuring accurate apnea testing during DNC.
- Use appropriate communication in the context of end of life, apnea testing and organ donation.
- Recognize possible moral, ethical and contextual challenges associated with clinician involvement in end-of-life care.
Simulation Modality:
Virtual gaming simulation / virtual patientKeywords:
305, Stitch MediaCitation:
Murphy T, Brownrigg D.. RT Role in Determination of Death by Neurologic Criteria. Simulation resource published by Simulation Canada; 2025. Available from https://simulationcanada.ca/scenario/rt-role-in-determination-of-death-by-neurologic-criteria/.
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License:
The information about this resource and any downloadable files are shared under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Target Learners
Interprofessional:
No
Profession:
Respiratory Therapy
Levels:
Undergraduate / post-secondary
Fields / Disciplines:
Clinical Procedures
Communication
Critical care
Medical
Palliative & end-of-life care