An old man with a massive intracranial bleed. He has been pl

[madhurima]

An 80 yr old man is admitted to the hospital with a massive intracranial bleed. He has been placed on a ventilator because of respiratory failure associated with intracranial herniation. When you try to remove the ventilator , there are no respirations. The patient makes no puposeful movements. There is no pupilary reaction when you shine a light in his eyes. There is no nystagmus on cold caloric question testing. Oculocephalic and corneal reflexes are absent. He left no specific wishes for his care.
Which of the following is the appropriate action regarding this patients care ?
A. Remove the ventilator
B. Make the patient DNR
C. Place a NG tube to prevent aspiration
D. Get a court ordet authorizing you to remove the ventilator
E. Do an EEG three times separated by six hours each time

[madhurima]

A. Remove the ventilator