What is the purpose of a DNR document?

The purpose of a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) document is to prevent unnecessary medical interventions, particularly in situations where a patient may experience cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. This directive clearly communicates a patient's wishes to healthcare providers regarding what types of life-sustaining treatments should be withheld in these critical situations.

By specifying that the patient does not want resuscitation efforts such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), intubation, or defibrillation, the DNR allows individuals to have control over their healthcare decisions, especially during end-of-life scenarios. This helps to respect the patient's autonomy and avoid potentially distressing or unwanted medical procedures that may not align with their values or quality of life preferences.

Understanding the role of a DNR document is essential for assisted living administrators, as they must ensure that residents' healthcare wishes are respected and appropriately communicated to the medical staff. This is particularly important in care settings where residents may not be able to express their wishes at critical moments.