Which of the following accurately defines the term whole brain death?

• A. Whole brain death is the temporary loss of consciousness due to trauma or injury.
• B. Whole brain death describes a state in which only the cerebral cortex has stopped functioning, but the brainstem remains active.
• C. Whole brain death is the condition where a person is in a persistent vegetative state but still has some brain activity.
• D. Whole brain death refers to the irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain, including the brainstem.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the term 'whole brain death' by breaking down the components of the brain involved, including the cerebral cortex and the brainstem.
2. Step 2: Recognize that whole brain death means the complete and irreversible loss of all brain functions, not just parts of the brain.
3. Step 3: Differentiate whole brain death from other conditions such as temporary loss of consciousness, persistent vegetative state, or partial brain function loss.
4. Step 4: Note that the brainstem controls vital functions like breathing and heartbeat, so its cessation is critical in defining whole brain death.
5. Step 5: Conclude that whole brain death is accurately defined as the irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain, including the brainstem.