What does a DNR order permit?

A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order specifically allows healthcare providers to respect a patient's wish not to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or advanced life support in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest. This choice reflects the patient's autonomy regarding end-of-life care and signifies a clear instruction that medical personnel should refrain from attempting resuscitation measures.

Having a DNR order in place does not interfere with the provision of other types of medical care or treatments. It strictly pertains to the actions taken in the scenario where a patient’s heart stops or they stop breathing. Thus, the focus of a DNR order is to prevent aggressive and often unwanted interventions that the patient has indicated they do not wish to receive.