What is the purpose of a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order?

The purpose of a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order is to instruct healthcare providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event that a patient's heartbeat or breathing stops. This decision is made by the patient or their authorized representative, often as part of a broader conversation about end-of-life care and preferences regarding medical interventions. The DNR order specifically pertains to the emergency measures intended to revive an individual, allowing for a natural death in cases where the patient would not want life-saving measures to be employed.

This concept contrasts sharply with the options related to refusal of pain medication, consent to all medical treatments, or mandating organ donation, which do not capture the intent and specific guidance of a DNR order regarding resuscitation efforts.