How does Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) status interact with other care decisions such as intubation or mechanical ventilation?

• A. DNR applies to CPR; other life-sustaining treatments may continue unless there is a separate decision to withholding/withdraw.
• B. DNR precludes all other life-sustaining treatments.
• C. DNR dictates comfort-focused care only.
• D. DNR status requires withholding all medications.

Answer: (A)

DNR is a directive about what to do if the patient experiences cardiac or respiratory arrest. It means that chest compressions and other resuscitation efforts to restart the heart are not performed in that specific situation. It does not automatically stop other life-sustaining treatments like intubation or mechanical ventilation when they are part of ongoing treatment or aligned with the patient’s goals of care. If there is a separate decision to withhold or withdraw life-prolonging treatments, that directive applies to those interventions regardless of the DNR order. So, a patient can have a DNR and still receive intubation or ventilation if that fits their overall goals and the clinical plan.