What does a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order specify?

• A. CPR should not be performed in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest; other measures to ensure comfort continue.
• B. All life-sustaining interventions should be stopped.
• C. Resuscitation should be attempted with any means.
• D. Only allow resuscitation by medical students.

Answer: (A)

Do Not Resuscitate orders specify that if the patient’s heart stops or they stop breathing, CPR and other drastic rescue measures should not be attempted. The goal is to avoid initiating chest compressions, defibrillation, intubation, or similar resuscitation efforts. At the same time, comfort-focused care and routine medical treatments that do not revive reproduction of life-sustaining function can and should continue to help relieve symptoms. In short, a DNR restricts resuscitation, not all medical care. It reflects a patient’s or surrogate’s wishes about what level of intervention is appropriate, especially when CPR would not provide meaningful benefit.