CNA Certification (Written Exam)Resident Rights and Legal/EthicalEasy
A resident has a 'Do Not Resuscitate' (DNR) order in their chart. The nurse aide finds the resident unresponsive and without a pulse. What is the nurse aide's immediate responsibility?
- AComfort the resident's family if they are present.
- BCall 911 for emergency medical services.
- CBegin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately.
- DNotify the nurse immediately.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Notify the nurse immediately.
Even with a DNR order, the nurse aide's primary responsibility is to notify the nurse immediately. The nurse will verify the DNR order and provide further instructions. Nurse aides do not initiate or withhold life-saving measures independently.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Comforting the family is important but not the immediate priority when discovering an unresponsive resident, even with a DNR.
- B. Calling 911 might be appropriate later, but the immediate step is to inform the nurse who will direct further actions based on the DNR.
- C. Initiating CPR would go against a valid DNR order and is outside the nurse aide's scope of practice without instruction.
DNR Orders and CNA Role
A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order is a medical order indicating that a person does not wish to undergo cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). A CNA's role is to notify the nurse immediately upon finding a resident unresponsive, regardless of DNR status.
- DNR means no CPR or advanced life support.
- CNAs do not initiate or withhold treatment based on DNR.
- Always report changes in resident condition to the nurse.
Memory trick: DNR means 'Don't Neglect Reporting' to the nurse.