When discussing CPR with a patient, what is an appropriate initial nurse response?

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Opening a conversation about CPR with a patient by asking what they already know and if they’ve heard about it before centers the discussion on the patient’s perspectives. This invites the patient into the conversation, assesses baseline knowledge, and reveals beliefs, concerns, or misconceptions. From this starting point, the nurse can tailor information, correct misunderstandings, and explore the patient’s goals and values, supporting informed, shared decision-making about resuscitation preferences.

Other approaches presume CPR is always the best option, delay the discussion, or dismiss the topic, which can undermine autonomy, miss important patient values, and postpone critical planning. After this open-ended entry, the nurse can provide education about what CPR involves and how it aligns with the patient’s goals and prognosis.