A valid DNR order exists, but the patient requests full resuscitation. What is the appropriate course?

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Multiple Choice

A valid DNR order exists, but the patient requests full resuscitation. What is the appropriate course?

A valid Do Not Resuscitate order represents the patient’s prior decision about whether CPR should be attempted, so the nurse should honor that directive while engaging the patient in a goals-of-care conversation. The appropriate course is to respect the DNR and explore what matters to the patient, ensuring understanding of possible outcomes and aligning care with the patient’s values. If the patient later regains decision-making capacity, they can revise or revoke the DNR. If capacity does not return, decisions should follow the DNR and involve the surrogate who reflects the patient’s known wishes or best interests. This approach protects patient autonomy and ensures consistency between stated wishes and provided care.

A valid Do Not Resuscitate order represents the patient’s prior decision about whether CPR should be attempted, so the nurse should honor that directive while engaging the patient in a goals-of-care conversation. The appropriate course is to respect the DNR and explore what matters to the patient, ensuring understanding of possible outcomes and aligning care with the patient’s values. If the patient later regains decision-making capacity, they can revise or revoke the DNR. If capacity does not return, decisions should follow the DNR and involve the surrogate who reflects the patient’s known wishes or best interests. This approach protects patient autonomy and ensures consistency between stated wishes and provided care.

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