What is a nurse's primary role in organ donation with regard to consent?

• A. Nurses determine donor eligibility.
• B. Nurses inform families and support the process.
• C. Nurses decide to donate against family wishes.
• D. Nurses override laws or policy.

Answer: (B)

Consent in organ donation hinges on clear, voluntary information and support for the family, not on medical gatekeeping by the nurse. The nurse’s primary role is to inform families about donation, answer questions, provide emotional and logistical support, and coordinate with the organ procurement organization to guide the process. This helps families understand what donation involves, what choices exist, and how the decision aligns with the donor’s wishes or known family wishes, all while ensuring the decision is voluntary and free from pressure.

The medical determination of donor eligibility and the formal authorization are handled by the medical team and the organ procurement organization, not by nursing staff. Nurses do not override laws or policy, nor act against family wishes. They facilitate informed consent within legal and ethical guidelines and support families through a difficult decision-making moment.