North Carolina CNA Written Practice Exam

What might patients with a DNR order prefer instead of resuscitation?

1. Aggressive treatments

2. Palliative care

3. Standard emergency procedures

4. Experimental treatments

The correct answer is: Palliative care

Patients with a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order generally indicate a preference for a natural death and often seek to avoid aggressive or invasive medical interventions when faced with life-threatening situations. Instead of resuscitation attempts, which can be traumatic and often lead to a prolonged dying process, patients with a DNR order typically prefer palliative care. Palliative care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, prioritizing comfort and quality of life over curative measures. This approach ensures that patients receive compassionate care that respects their wishes, allowing them to spend their remaining time in a more peaceful and dignified manner, focusing on comfort and emotional support rather than aggressive treatments. In this context, aggressive treatments and experimental treatments would contradict the intent behind a DNR order, as such options imply a willingness to undergo intensive interventions that are generally aimed at prolonging life. Similarly, standard emergency procedures primarily involve resuscitation efforts, which patients with a DNR order expressly wish to avoid.