DNR
What does DNR stand for?
Do Not Resuscitate.
What does CPR stand for?
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
What must a patient complete before having a DNR under the procedure described?
A DNR confirmation form.
If a patient has a pulse and is breathing, should they still receive appropriate care?
Yes, they must receive all appropriate and effective care.
Can a person change their mind about having a DNR?
Yes, they can change their mind at any time, following the applicable process.
What is the main purpose of a DNR order?
To tell healthcare professionals that CPR and life-saving treatment should not be performed in the case that a patient's heart or breathing stops.
If a patient has a valid DNR, should healthcare professionals perform CPR?
No, they must withhold CPR according to the valid DNR and applicable protocols.
What personal information must appear on the confirmation form?
The patient's full name.
According to the information provided, what two signs indicate that a patient is going into cardiac arrest?
No pulse and no breathing.
Who should a patient inform if they want to change their DNR decision?
Their healthcare professional.
Under what two circumstances does a DNR apply?
When the patient's heart stops beating, or their breathing stops.
Name two resuscitation procedures that are withheld when a valid DNR applies.
Chest compressions and defibrillation. (Other acceptable answers include artificial ventilation and advanced resuscitation drugs.)
What two things related to the medical professional must be recorded on the form?
Their position title and their name and signature.
What should happen if a patient goes into cardiac arrest and has a verified, valid DNR?
Resuscitation procedures should be withheld in accordance with the DNR and applicable protocols.
Are a DNR and a will the same thing?
No, they serve different purposes.
Who decides that a patient wishes not to be resuscitated?
The patient, when they are capable of making the decision themselves, or a substitute decision maker for the patient.
What is one type of airway procedure that healthcare professionals withhold when a valid DNR applies?
Intubation or insertion of nasal or oral airways.
Besides the patient's full name and the medical professional's information, what two other details must the form include?
A checkbox acknowledging the conditions and the date the form was completed.
What should healthcare professionals do in an emergency if they cannot verify the patient's DNR form?
Follow standard emergency protocols, including attempting resuscitation as required, until the form is verified.
Why might a DNR that is valid in one region not be accepted as valid in another?
DNR requirements and recognition can vary by region.
Does a DNR mean that the patient stops receiving all medical care?
No. The patient receives all appropriate healthcare. The DNR only specifies that if the patient's heart or breathing stops, do not try to revive them.
Besides chest compressions, name three other interventions that may be withheld during resuscitation under a valid DNR.
Defibrillation, artificial ventilation, and advanced resuscitation drugs. (Other listed airway interventions are also acceptable.)
Name all five types of information or confirmation required on the DNR form described.
Patient's full name, checkbox acknowledging the conditions, checkbox for the medical professional's position title, medical professional's name and signature, and completion date.
Once death has been established, what standard must healthcare professionals follow according to the information provided?
The Deceased Patient Standard.
Explain two important differences between a DNR and a will.
A DNR addresses resuscitation if a person's heart or breathing stops; a will sets out instructions for distributing property and other matters after death.