If a patient is identified as a "DNR," what does this mean?

The designation "DNR" stands for "Do Not Resuscitate," which means the patient has made a clear request not to receive life-saving measures in the event of respiratory or cardiac arrest. This choice reflects the patient's autonomy and right to make decisions about their own medical treatment. A DNR order specifically instructs healthcare providers that if the patient's heart stops beating or they stop breathing, no cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or advanced life support is to be initiated.

This concept is grounded in medical ethics, allowing patients to determine the extent of medical intervention they wish to receive, especially in critical situations. The other options do not accurately reflect the purpose of a DNR order. For instance, a "Do Not Repeat" designation would pertain to diagnostic tests, "Do Not Remove" would relate to medical devices, and "Do Not Reschedule" would concern appointments. None of these options address the specific context of resuscitation and end-of-life care decisions encapsulated in the DNR order.