What it means
A medical order, written by a provider after talking with the client or their decision-maker, that no cardiopulmonary resuscitationkar-dee-oh-PUL-muh-nair-ee rih-sus-ih-TAY-shunEmergency chest compressions, with or without rescue breaths, to keep blood flowing when the heart has stopped.cardi/o heartpulmon/o lung-ary relating toresuscitation bringing back to lifeFull entry (chest compressions, defibrillation, intubation) will be done if the heart stops or breathing stops. It is often based on the client's wishes in an advance directivead-VANS dih-REK-tivA legal document in which a person states their wishes for medical care, for a time when they cannot speak for themselves.Full entry . It does not mean stopping other care: comfort, pain relief, food, fluids and many treatments go on unless the client chooses otherwise. Some settings call it "allow natural death".
For the nurse
Check the order and the code status at every handoff, and follow the facility's way of marking it. A nurse cannot decide code status alone: without a written order, start CPR. Keep giving all other ordered care.
In a chart
"Code status: DNR per signed order dated 10/15; comfort measures continue."
At a glance
| Abbreviations | DNR; DNAR (do not attempt resuscitation); AND (allow natural death) |
|---|---|
| Spanish | orden de no reanimar |
| Also written | DNR, DNAR, allow natural death, do not resuscitate order, do not resuscitate, do-not-resuscitate |
Related terms
cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Emergency chest compressions, with or without rescue breaths, to keep blood flowing when the heart has stopped.
informed consent
A person's agreement to a treatment or procedure, given freely after the risks, benefits and other choices have been explained to them.
autonomy
A person's right to make their own choices about their body and their care.
advance directive
A legal document in which a person states their wishes for medical care, for a time when they cannot speak for themselves.