Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR)

Also known as a do-not-attempt-resuscitation (DNAR) order or "no code," a DNR order specifies what efforts should or should not be taken in order to revive a patient who has experienced cardiac or pulmonary arrest and what level of care should be provided in the case of an arrest. Since there is always presumed consent for CPR (as currently practiced in the U.S.), it can be withheld only when a DNR order or other advance directive is present or in cases where CPR is judged to be futile according to the standard of care. A DNR order does not imply that no treatment whatsoever should be given, but only that the patient does not want to be resuscitated. Even in the presence of a DNR order some interventions may be appropriate and necessary, such as drugs to calm arrhythmia and pain relief.

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