What is a DNR order?

A DNR order, which stands for "Do Not Resuscitate," is specifically a medical directive that instructs healthcare providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event a patient experiences cardiac or respiratory arrest. This decision is typically made by the patient or their legal representative in consultation with healthcare professionals, reflecting the patient’s wishes regarding their end-of-life care and interventions.

Understanding the context of DNR orders is essential, particularly in critical healthcare situations. It can be part of broader advance care planning, where patients express their preferences about treatments they want or do not want as they approach end-of-life scenarios. This distinction is important for ensuring patient autonomy and aligns medical interventions with the patient's values and preferences.

While the other choices relate to important aspects of patient care, they do not describe a DNR order. For example, a directive for organ donation pertains to what happens posthumously but does not address immediate life-saving procedures. A prescription for medication is relevant to pharmacological treatment plans but does not relate to resuscitation efforts. A plan for long-term care encompasses broader strategies for ongoing support and treatment over time, distinct from the specific decision surrounding resuscitation efforts.