CNA Certification (Written Exam)Resident Rights and Legal/EthicalHard
A resident has a living will stating she does not want to be placed on a mechanical ventilator, but she has no DNR order on file. The resident stops breathing and has no pulse. What should the nurse aide do?
- ADo not perform CPR because of the living will
- BWait for family to arrive before deciding
- CBegin CPR and call for help immediately, since there is no DNR order
- DCall the physician first before taking any action
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Begin CPR and call for help immediately, since there is no DNR order
A living will addresses future medical treatments like ventilator use but does not replace a DNR order for resuscitation. Without a valid DNR order, staff must begin CPR immediately and call for emergency help, following standard emergency protocol.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A living will about ventilator use does not equal a DNR order.
- B. Waiting for family delays life-saving action and is inappropriate.
- D. Calling the physician first delays critical emergency response.
Living Will vs DNR
A living will expresses wishes about specific treatments (like ventilators), while a DNR order specifically addresses resuscitation; they are not interchangeable.
- Living will ≠ DNR order
- Without a DNR, staff must attempt CPR
- Advance directives must be clearly documented and specific
Memory trick: No DNR? Do CPR.