Do Not Resuscitate Orders (DNR) refer to legal documents or medical instructions that express an individual's wish not to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. It is a directive issued by a person who may be terminally ill, elderly, or suffering from a chronic or irreversible condition, stating that they do not wish to have invasive medical interventions performed to revive them if their heart stops or they experience a complete cessation of breathing.
DNR orders are typically established in advance with the consent of the patient, their family, and their healthcare provider, after thorough discussion and understanding of the individual's medical situation, prognosis, and personal values. The purpose of a DNR order is to honor the patient's autonomy and ensure that their end-of-life wishes are respected.
When a healthcare professional encounters a patient with a valid DNR order, they are legally obligated to respect those wishes and withhold CPR or other resuscitative measures. However, it is important to note that DNR orders do not limit other forms of medical treatment such as pain management, comfort care, palliative care, or non-invasive interventions aimed at improving quality of life.
DNR orders can be documented on a variety of forms, such as bracelets, necklace tags, or official medical documents, and they are generally recognized across healthcare settings to promote consistency in care. These orders can be modified or revoked by the individual at any time if their medical condition or personal preferences change or if they deem it necessary to do so.
