UWorld Leadership Practice Test

When a nurse discovers a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) status after resuscitation efforts have commenced, the appropriate course of action is to stop all resuscitation activities immediately. This is based on ethical, legal, and professional standards that dictate a health care provider's respect for a patient's wishes regarding their medical treatment.

A DNR order signifies a patient’s explicit desire not to receive resuscitative measures in the event of cardiac arrest. Once a resuscitation attempt has begun, it is critical to honor this directive as soon as the DNR status is identified. Continuing resuscitation efforts after recognizing a DNR status not only contravenes the patient's wishes but may also violate legal obligations.

In situations where signs of life are present, it is essential to assess those signs in conjunction with the known DNR status. However, the presence of a DNR order supersedes the intervention protocol for resuscitation, leading to the necessity of terminating any ongoing efforts in alignment with the patient's rights and preferences.

The interplay of ethical considerations, patient autonomy, and legal ramifications underpin the decision to halt resuscitative actions upon confirming a DNR status. This ensures that patient dignity is maintained while adhering to established regulations regarding end-of-life care.