What is a DNR?

In research from the National Library of Medicine (2020) a do-not-resuscitate order, or DNR

order, is a medical order written by a doctor. It instructs health care providers not to do

cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if a patient's breathing stops or if the patient's heart stops

beating. A DNR order is more common among people whose chances of survival are low for

example someone who is living with a terminal illness however anyone can request a DNR order

to be written for them. A DNR order is considered part of advanced care planning which is a

person’s wishes of how they would like to be taken care of medically should they find

themselves in a position where they cannot make their own decisions at that moment. The family

of the loved one with a DNR order is also unable to override this medical order and the staff

must obey your wishes. There are certain instances where a DNR order may be overruled such as

no written documentation, the order cannot be found or confirmed, questions of the validity of

the order, or the cause of heart or airway issue is due to an unexpected unnatural trauma. The

medical staff who can write or sign a DNR order varies by state in some states only a physician

can sign the order while other states will allow a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant to

sign the order. While the order is considered part of medical care and an advance directive it is

not honored in other states. For example, if you moved you would need a new DNR order in the

new state.
CPR types:

CPR is used when your blood flow or breathing stops

 Mouth-to-mouth breathing & chest compressions

 Electric shock to the heart

 Breathing tubes

 Medication