A medical assistant is reviewing a patient's chart and notices that the physician has ordered a 'do not resuscitate' (DNR) order. Which of the following statements accurately describes the legal and ethical implications of a DNR order?
- AA DNR order is a permanent document that cannot be revoked by the patient.
- BA DNR order requires the medical team to withhold all medical care, including comfort measures.
- CA DNR order respects the patient's right to refuse life-sustaining treatment and must be honored by healthcare providers.
- DA DNR order allows family members to make all medical decisions for the patient, regardless of the patient's wishes.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. A DNR order respects the patient's right to refuse life-sustaining treatment and must be honored by healthcare providers.
A DNR order is a type of advance directive that reflects a patient's autonomous decision to refuse cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other life-sustaining treatments in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest. Healthcare providers are legally and ethically obligated to honor a valid DNR order, respecting the patient's right to self-determination.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. DNR orders can be revoked by the patient at any time, as long as they have decision-making capacity.
- B. A DNR order specifically refers to withholding resuscitation efforts (like CPR, intubation, defibrillation); it does not mean withholding all medical care, especially comfort measures.
- D. A DNR order is based on the patient's wishes, not solely on family preference. While family may be involved in discussions, the patient's valid DNR takes precedence.
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order
A medical order written by a doctor, at the patient's request (or their legal proxy), instructing healthcare providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if the patient's heart or breathing stops.
- Patient-driven decision for autonomy.
- Addresses only resuscitation efforts, not other care.
- Can be revoked by the patient at any time.
- Must be honored by healthcare providers.
Memory trick: DNR: Don't Resuscitate, but Do Respect Autonomy and Patient Choice.