What is the purpose of a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order?

A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order is a legal document that indicates a patient's wishes regarding resuscitative efforts in the event of cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. The primary purpose of a DNR order is to respect the autonomy of the patient by explicitly stating that they do not want any aggressive measures taken to revive them, such as CPR or intubation, in the case of their heart or breathing stopping. This order is particularly relevant in situations where the patient may be facing terminal illness or severe health conditions and has decided that they would prefer to avoid the potential suffering that can arise from resuscitation efforts.

This patient-centric approach emphasizes the importance of understanding and honoring individual preferences about medical interventions, ensuring that care aligns with the patient's values and desires. It is a way to communicate and formalize a patient’s wishes regarding their end-of-life care, allowing healthcare providers to respect those wishes in a critical situation.