What is a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate)?

• A. An order that tells medical professionals not to perform CPR
• B. A document that states the medical care a person wants, or does not want, in case they become unable to make those decisions themselves
• C. An order that tells medical professionals not to perform CPR
• D. None of the above

Answer: (C)

Do Not Resuscitate means a medical order that tells clinicians not to perform CPR if the person’s heart stops or they stop breathing. It is usually written by a physician and placed in the patient’s chart, and in some systems it appears as part of a POLST or another formal advance directive. The important point is that the instruction is specifically about resuscitation efforts, not about denying all other medical care unless those choices are also documented. For a home health aide, this means CPR should not be initiated; you should follow the care plan, respect the patient’s wishes, and involve the supervising clinician or EMS as required by policy.