North Carolina CNA Written Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a reason for a patient to request a DNR order?

1. A terminal illness with a poor prognosis

2. A sudden need for immediate surgery

3. Desire to control the circumstances of their death

4. A preference for comfort-focused care

The correct answer is: A sudden need for immediate surgery

A sudden need for immediate surgery is not a valid reason for a patient to request a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order. DNR orders are typically discussed in the context of terminal illnesses or end-of-life care, where a patient has a clear understanding of their medical situation and wishes to avoid aggressive measures that may not align with their goals for quality of life. Patients who face a terminal illness with a poor prognosis often seek DNR orders to prevent unnecessary suffering and to focus on comfort measures. This aligns with the desire to control the circumstances of their death and to ensure that the care they receive prioritizes their comfort rather than heroic interventions. Thus, the preference for comfort-focused care is very much in line with the principles guiding DNR orders. In contrast, the request for a DNR does not typically stem from an urgent medical scenario like immediate surgery, which may involve resuscitation efforts and other interventions that the patient may still want to consider.