What does DNR stand for?

What does DNR stand for?

• A. Do not resuscitate
• B. Do not recover
• C. Do not report
• D. Do not respond

Answer: (A)

DNR stands for "Do not resuscitate." It is a code status that communicates the patient’s wish not to have CPR or other aggressive life-saving measures if their heart or breathing stops. The focus is on respecting the patient’s autonomy and advance directives while continuing other appropriate care, such as comfort measures, pain control, and basic supportive care. In practice, DNR means staff should not perform chest compressions, defibrillation, intubation, or other resuscitation techniques if cardiac or respiratory arrest occurs. It does not mean all care stops—other treatments and supportive care can still be provided unless another directive specifies otherwise. For this to be honored, the DNR order must be documented in the patient’s chart and communicated to all members of the care team, and it can be changed if the patient or a legally authorized representative decides to alter it. The other options aren’t medical codes for resuscitation preferences; they don’t convey the patient’s code status.

DNR stands for "Do not resuscitate." It is a code status that communicates the patient’s wish not to have CPR or other aggressive life-saving measures if their heart or breathing stops. The focus is on respecting the patient’s autonomy and advance directives while continuing other appropriate care, such as comfort measures, pain control, and basic supportive care.

In practice, DNR means staff should not perform chest compressions, defibrillation, intubation, or other resuscitation techniques if cardiac or respiratory arrest occurs. It does not mean all care stops—other treatments and supportive care can still be provided unless another directive specifies otherwise. For this to be honored, the DNR order must be documented in the patient’s chart and communicated to all members of the care team, and it can be changed if the patient or a legally authorized representative decides to alter it.

The other options aren’t medical codes for resuscitation preferences; they don’t convey the patient’s code status.