Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)
A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) is a documented medical order instructing clinicians not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation if a patient's heart or breathing stops. It reflects patient wishes about end-of-life care and must be verified before procedures at any care setting.
What is a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order?
A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order is a documented medical instruction directing clinicians not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation if a patient's heart stops or they stop breathing. It is a formal order entered into the medical record, not merely a verbal preference.
The order reflects the patient's own wishes about end-of-life care, often made in advance and in consultation with clinicians and family. It addresses resuscitation specifically and does not, by itself, withhold other treatments.
Why must a DNR be verified before a procedure?
Surgery and anesthesia can produce situations that resemble those a DNR addresses, so the order's status must be confirmed and discussed before a procedure begins. Many facilities require an explicit conversation about whether the order remains in effect, is suspended, or is modified during the peri-operative period.
At any care setting, including an ambulatory surgery center, verifying and documenting the patient's resuscitation wishes is both an ethical and a safety obligation. Clear documentation ensures the care team honors the patient's directives accurately.
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