What does a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order specify?

What does a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order specify?

• A. A legal order indicating that no resuscitation should be performed in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest
• B. A directive to isolate the patient
• C. A directive to discontinue life support after consent
• D. A directive to withhold all medications

Answer: (A)

A DNR is a formal decision about what happens if the patient experiences cardiac or respiratory arrest. It specifies that resuscitation attempts, such as chest compressions, defibrillation, and other aggressive life-saving measures, should not be performed. It’s a specific directive about whether to try to revive someone in an arrest, not a blanket prescription to isolate the patient, stop all medications, or withdraw all ongoing life-sustaining treatments. Other non-resuscitation care (comfort measures, medications not aimed at restarting circulation, etc.) may continue unless there are separate orders to change those treatments.

A DNR is a formal decision about what happens if the patient experiences cardiac or respiratory arrest. It specifies that resuscitation attempts, such as chest compressions, defibrillation, and other aggressive life-saving measures, should not be performed. It’s a specific directive about whether to try to revive someone in an arrest, not a blanket prescription to isolate the patient, stop all medications, or withdraw all ongoing life-sustaining treatments. Other non-resuscitation care (comfort measures, medications not aimed at restarting circulation, etc.) may continue unless there are separate orders to change those treatments.