What is a "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) order?

A "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) order is a medical directive specifically instructing healthcare providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event that a patient stops breathing or their heart stops beating. This order is usually established by a patient in consultation with their healthcare provider, particularly when the patient has a terminal condition or has expressed a desire to avoid aggressive life-saving measures.

The rationale behind a DNR is often rooted in the patient’s wishes regarding end-of-life care and the quality of life they wish to maintain. It empowers patients to make decisions about their own medical treatment, particularly regarding situations where resuscitation may not align with their values or desired outcomes.

In contrast, other options suggest misunderstandings about a DNR. A directive to perform all life-saving measures contradicts the very essence of a DNR, while stating that family members alone make the decision disregards the legal and ethical responsibilities of medical professionals to discuss these directives with the patient or their designated representative. Furthermore, while a DNR can often be part of broader discussions about limiting medical treatments, it specifically and only addresses the issue of resuscitation, rather than being a blanket agreement to limit all medical interventions.