A do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order is a legally recognized order signed by a physician at a patients request.
This article explains the meaning of DNR.
It details what resuscitation means and the rules governing DNR orders.
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What DNR Means
DNR means do not resuscitate.
A DNR means that the person does not want any life-saving measures.
Resuscitation means to revive or bring back to life.
Cardiac arrest patients do not.
In both cases, though, a patient is unconscious and not breathing.
Respiratory arrest will always lead to cardiac arrest if nothing is done to treat it.
Resuscitation Side Effects
Successful resuscitation can cause significant physical injuries.
For example, chest compressions can causebroken ribs, punctured lungs, and possibly a damaged heart.
Those who are resuscitated may also suffer brain damage.
Generally, the risk increases the longer the duration of CPR.
Survival rates were 28.5% and 11.1%, respectively.
About 70% of them are at home, and the vast majority (about 90%) die.
CPR can double or triple a persons chance of survival.
These orders are typically used in hospice configs or elsewhere for terminally ill patients.
This can cause confusion.
Some states use standardized forms for DNR orders.
If the order is not written on that specific form, it cannot be honored.
Other states are less regimented and honor any throw in of clear DNR order.
DNR orders must:
Some states allowemergency respondersto follow DNR orders written to other care providers.
Each state is different, and municipalities may differ within each state.
Its important to remember that a DNR order is not an order to withhold all treatment.
It is only an order not to resuscitate.
As such, it can lead tobroken ribs, punctured lungs, and possibly a damaged heart.
Those who are resuscitated may also suffer brain damage.
These actions may be too much for someone in frail health.
Be sure to investigate the rules in your area before proceeding.
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