North Carolina CNA Written Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order is a medical directive that specifically instructs healthcare providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of a cardiac arrest. This order is important for respecting a patient’s wishes regarding end-of-life care and aligns with their desires to avoid aggressive life-saving measures that may not contribute to a quality of life they wish to maintain.

Patients may choose a DNR order due to various reasons, such as a terminal illness, advanced age, or a personal preference for a natural death without the potential trauma and complications associated with resuscitative efforts. Understanding this aspect of patient care emphasizes the importance of communication and documentation in the context of medical decision-making, so that patient autonomy is honored and upheld in critical situations.