The Mesothelioma SOS Glossary - Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR)

A Do Not Resuscitate order is a written order from a doctor that, if a person should suffer cardiac or respiratory arrest, that person should not be resuscitated. DNR orders must typically be signed by both witnesses, the patient and also a doctor, yet the rules and requirements vary from hospital to hospital. Do Not Resuscitate orders are typically established on the foundation of an advance directive from a person, or from someone who has been granted authority to make decisions on the patient’s behalf, like a health-care proxy. It is important to note that any person who does not desire to undergo lifesaving therapy in the occurrence of cardiac or respiratory failure can get a DNR order. However, most DNR orders are done when the patient is suffering from chronic illness, such as mesothelioma. A DNR order ensures that patients who are terminally ill can have a more natural death that does not include painful and invasive medial procedures intended to keep them living. Not only will surgical resuscitation not be performed on patients with DNR orders, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and cardiac life support will not be performed. However, if a patient is not terminally ill and medical workers are unsure if a DNR order exists, medical technicians are required by law to act as if a DNR order does not exist. .