Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse (CCTN) Practice Exam 2026 - Free CCTN Practice Questions and Study Guide

Spinal reflexes can indeed occur in brain-dead donors, and the data suggests that this phenomenon is present in approximately 40-50% of such cases. This occurrence is due to the fact that spinal reflexes are mediated by the spinal cord, which can still function independently of brain activity. In brain-death scenarios, although the brain no longer functions and the individual has lost all brainstem reflexes, the spinal cord may still be intact and capable of generating reflexive actions.

Spinal reflexes can manifest in various forms, such as movements in the limbs or even more complex responses, depending on the remaining function of the spinal cord. These reflexes may be significant in a clinical context, as they can impact the management and evaluation of potential organ donors. Understanding this aspect is essential for clinical transplant nurses, as it aids in differentiating between true brain death and situations where some neurological function may still exist.