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UK Brainstem Death Diagnosis — FRCA Final MCQ

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ModerateIntensive Care MedicineUK Brainstem Death DiagnosisFRCA Final

UK brainstem death: two sets of tests by two senior doctors. Additional investigation mandatory?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: D — None — two sets of tests is sufficient

In the UK, brainstem death is clinical. No confirmatory investigations mandatory. Two sets by ≥1 consultant, both registered >5 years. Includes absent pupillary, corneal, oculovestibular, gag, cough reflexes + no respiratory effort on apnoea test (PaCO2 must reach >6.65 kPa).

Reference: Academy of Medical Royal Colleges – 2008 (reaffirmed 2023)