CNA Certification (Written Exam)Resident Rights and Legal/EthicalHard
A nurse aide enters a resident's room and finds them unresponsive and not breathing. The resident's chart clearly states a valid Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order. What should the aide do?
- AFollow the DNR order and do not perform CPR, then notify the nurse
- BWait for the nurse to arrive before doing anything
- CCall the family first to ask permission before acting
- DBegin CPR immediately since the resident is not breathing
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Follow the DNR order and do not perform CPR, then notify the nurse
A valid DNR order is a legal directive that must be honored; performing CPR against a documented DNR would violate the resident's legal right to refuse resuscitative treatment. The aide should follow the order and immediately notify the nurse.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Doing nothing at all delays required notification of the change in status.
- C. Family permission is not required to override a valid, documented DNR order.
- D. Performing CPR against a valid DNR violates the resident's legal directive.
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders
A DNR is a legal medical order indicating that a resident does not want CPR performed if their heart stops or they stop breathing.
- DNR orders must be honored by all staff, including CNAs
- Notify the nurse immediately even when following a DNR
- Overriding a valid DNR can result in legal liability
Memory trick: 'DNR means Do Not Rescue with CPR.'