NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive ExamCardiology & ResuscitationEasy
A 68-year-old male is found unresponsive and pulseless. He has a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order readily available and verified by family. What is the MOST appropriate action for the EMT crew?
- AInitiate CPR and contact medical control for guidance.
- BInitiate CPR and transport rapidly to the nearest hospital.
- CInitiate CPR until a physician arrives on scene to confirm the DNR.
- DConfirm the DNR order with the family and withhold resuscitation.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Confirm the DNR order with the family and withhold resuscitation.
A valid and verified Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order must be respected. If the DNR order is readily available and confirmed, EMTs should withhold resuscitation efforts and provide comfort care.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Initiating CPR would violate the patient's wishes as expressed in the DNR.
- B. Initiating CPR and rapid transport would violate the patient's wishes.
- C. A valid DNR does not require a physician's presence to be honored by EMS.
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders
A DNR order is a legal document or medical order indicating that a person does not wish to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if their heart stops or they stop breathing.
- Must be valid and readily available.
- Requires verification, often with family or medical control.
- Directs EMS to withhold resuscitation efforts.
- Allows for comfort care to be provided.
Memory trick: DNR: Don't Resuscitate, Respect the Request.