A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order is based on which consideration?

A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order is based on which consideration?

• A. Family preference
• B. Hospital policy
• C. Patient values
• D. Provider convenience

Answer: (C)

Respecting the patient’s autonomy and personal values guides decisions about resuscitation. A DNR reflects what the patient wants for CPR if a cardiac or respiratory arrest occurs, and it should align with the individual’s goals, priorities about quality of life, and acceptable outcomes after resuscitation. This requires informed discussion about the benefits, risks, and likely outcomes of CPR so the choice mirrors what the patient values most. If the patient cannot express preferences, a legally authorized surrogate should apply substituted judgment based on known values, not what the clinicians or the hospital policy prefer. Family input can help illuminate values, but it does not override the patient’s own wishes.

Respecting the patient’s autonomy and personal values guides decisions about resuscitation. A DNR reflects what the patient wants for CPR if a cardiac or respiratory arrest occurs, and it should align with the individual’s goals, priorities about quality of life, and acceptable outcomes after resuscitation. This requires informed discussion about the benefits, risks, and likely outcomes of CPR so the choice mirrors what the patient values most. If the patient cannot express preferences, a legally authorized surrogate should apply substituted judgment based on known values, not what the clinicians or the hospital policy prefer. Family input can help illuminate values, but it does not override the patient’s own wishes.