General
dnr
What does dnr mean?
A physician order directing staff not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation if the patient's heart or breathing stops. It reflects the patient's or surrogate's wishes about end-of-life care.
"She's a DNR, so if she codes we don't run it."
Origin
Initialism of 'Do Not Resuscitate.'
Frequently asked questions
What does DNR mean?
DNR stands for 'Do Not Resuscitate'. It is a physician order that staff should not perform CPR if the patient's heart or breathing stops.
Does DNR mean no treatment at all?
No. A DNR only bars cardiopulmonary resuscitation; the patient can still receive all other appropriate care and comfort measures.
Who decides on a DNR order?
It reflects the patient's wishes, or those of a surrogate decision-maker, documented as a physician order about end-of-life care.
Are there other names for DNR?
Yes. Related terms include DNAR (Do Not Attempt Resuscitation) and DNACPR (Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation).
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