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By Rosemary Martin

Abstract

In this interrupted case, students examine the concept of unconsciousness and develop an understanding of how clinicians diagnose death. Developed for a freshman course in human biology, the case focuses on brain death, but raises related issues, including organ donation. With some modifications, the case could be used in a neurobiology or psychology course, or in a philosophy or ethics course.

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Date Posted

09/29/2003

Overview

Objectives

To examine the concept of unconsciousness.
To understand how clinicians diagnose death.
To explore how brain trauma in the form of hemorrhage associated with the meninges can lead to loss of consciousness.
To explore the legal and ethical framework in which organ donation takes place.

Keywords

Irreversible coma; brain trauma; unconsciousness; subdural hematoma; subdural hemorrhage; meninges; reticular activating system; organ donation

Subject Headings

Biology (General)

Medicine (General)

Neuroscience

Psychology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division, Clinical education

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

Ethics, Legal issues

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Interrupted

Teaching Notes & Answer Key

Teaching Notes

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Answer Key

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