What does a DNR order signify?

What does a DNR order signify?

• A. Do not resuscitate; no CPR; respect patient wishes regarding resuscitation
• B. Do not respond to any medical treatment
• C. Do not resuscitate; allow physician to decide
• D. Do not resuscitate; do not perform CPR; respect patient wishes regarding resuscitation

Answer: (D)

A Do Not Resuscitate order means that if the patient experiences cardiac or respiratory arrest, CPR and resuscitation efforts should not be started. It does not mean withholding all medical care; other treatments and comfort measures can continue as appropriate, guided by the patient’s wishes. This option best reflects the intent: it directs not to perform resuscitation or CPR and explicitly emphasizes honoring the patient’s preferences regarding resuscitation. That combination preserves patient autonomy while clearly limiting life‑sustaining interventions only in the arrest scenario. The other ideas miss the scope or the decision-making principle. One describes withholding all medical treatment, which is not the definition of a DNR. Another places the decision entirely in the physician’s hands, which undermines patient autonomy.

A Do Not Resuscitate order means that if the patient experiences cardiac or respiratory arrest, CPR and resuscitation efforts should not be started. It does not mean withholding all medical care; other treatments and comfort measures can continue as appropriate, guided by the patient’s wishes.

This option best reflects the intent: it directs not to perform resuscitation or CPR and explicitly emphasizes honoring the patient’s preferences regarding resuscitation. That combination preserves patient autonomy while clearly limiting life‑sustaining interventions only in the arrest scenario.

The other ideas miss the scope or the decision-making principle. One describes withholding all medical treatment, which is not the definition of a DNR. Another places the decision entirely in the physician’s hands, which undermines patient autonomy.