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 provide pain relief.
