What does a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order indicate?

A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order indicates that no artificial resuscitation should be performed in the event of a cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. This order is a medical directive made by a patient, often in consultation with their healthcare provider, which clearly states the individual's wishes regarding resuscitation efforts. It reflects a person's choice to avoid aggressive interventions such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which may not align with their wishes regarding quality of life and end-of-life care.

The other options do not accurately reflect the intent of a DNR order. For example, stating that a patient should be resuscitated at all costs directly contradicts the purpose of a DNR. Similarly, suggesting that patients should receive all life-sustaining treatment undermines the very concept of a DNR, which is about opting out of certain aggressive treatments. Lastly, indicating that medical records should show readiness for resuscitation is misleading, as it fails to align with the intention of a DNR order, which is to prevent such readiness in cases where the patient has chosen not to undergo resuscitation.