A client who has DNR asked you for help due to cardiac arrest what actions should you take?

Question

what actions should you take as a nurse?

Answer 1

Ok maybe this question was worded incorrectly. If a patient has a living will and it states that they are a DNR, but they choose not to be one (while they are aware and in their good mind) as the nurse, you must act as the advocate for the patient and get the doctor involve so that they can reverse the DNR. If at the time something was to happen legally you have to honor their wishes, but as the patients advocate you are their voice. I am a nurse. So what I would do is, if my patient said to me," I know I am a DNR, but I want it reversed." I would get a second nurse as a witness. Write on a piece of paper, have both nurses and the patient sign it. Why? To cover your but in case something happens(ie cardiac arrest) during the time you are waiting for the MD to arrive. That is probably too much info, but I hope it helps. This issue is not only a legal issue, but a ethical issue.

Answer 2

If they have a DNR you respect the DNR. If they do not want the DNR any longer they need to have it voided.  

Answer 3

If a patient is in cardiac arrest, there's no way they can ask you for help because they will be clinically dead.

When a patient has what's called an advance directive, that will dictate what treatment they would want should they not be able to make decisions, such as if they are in a coma.

If they possess a valid DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order, any emergency health worker is prohibited by law from performing resuscitative efforts on a patient who is clinically dead. The order must be readily available and signed by a physician and the patient or legal guardian, and it must also list the patient's medical problems.

Now, given that the patient is still alive and able to make decisions, a medical worker must still provide care. But once their heart stops beating and they have a valid DNR, medical personnel can legally do nothing to revive them. The ONLY time you attempt resuscitation is if the DNR is not available or cannot be found, even if a family member or guardian swears up and down that they have it. Some even have an expiration date, so it has to be valid as well.

The one below me, "ursexym," probably explained it a little better than me, but every state's laws governing advance directives are different.

My best advice would be to consult an attorney about the laws regarding DNR's.

Answer 4

You may have a certification for a DNR, but if the patient or family member ask for assistance, it is best for you to deliver.  You may be legal, but the family's lawyer will rip you a new one in court.

Remember always do what the patient or family request (even if you have the legal papers)