👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team🕐 Updated 2026-08-23🏷️ Management of Care🔖 Free to read, print, and share
Also known as: DNR · no code · do not resuscitate · allow natural death · DNAR
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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Do Not Resuscitate Orders on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!
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📒 The 1-minute cheat sheet
📌 Def
DNR = no CPR, no code
MD order required in chart
Still give comfort/routine care
✅ Do
Continue meds, O2, pain relief
Treat reversible non-arrest issues
Respect, dignity, family support
📌 Avoid
DNR ≠ do not treat
No CPR/intubation if arrests
Don't abandon care
🚩 Report
No written order → must do CPR
Family wants change → notify MD
📚 Do Not Resuscitate Orders — full study notes
The cheat sheet above is your quick recall card. These notes go deeper — what it is, what to do first, what must be reported, and what to teach.
A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order instructs the team to withhold CPR and advanced cardiac life support if the patient stops breathing or the heart stops. It must be a written provider order in the chart and reflects the patient's wishes. A DNR limits resuscitation only; all other comfort and supportive care continues.
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Key points
Understand these first
A DNR requires a written order from the provider; it is not valid as a verbal-only or assumed order.
A DNR means no CPR and no ACLS, but all other treatment and comfort care continues.
A DNR is not the same as 'do not treat'; pain control, oxygen, hygiene, and dignity care are still provided.
A competent patient or their proxy can request a DNR, and it can be reversed at any time.
Without a valid DNR order, full resuscitation must be initiated if the patient arrests.
DNR status should be clearly communicated at every shift handoff and transfer.
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Nursing priorities
What to do, in order
Verify the DNR is a current, signed provider order in the chart before withholding resuscitation.
Communicate DNR status clearly during handoff, transfer, and to all team members.
Continue all comfort, pain, hygiene, and supportive measures regardless of DNR status.
Support the patient and family emotionally and clarify what a DNR does and does not mean.
Notify the provider promptly if the patient or proxy wishes to revoke the DNR.
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Red flags — report now
Escalate immediately
Never withhold CPR without a valid written DNR order in the chart; begin full resuscitation if none exists.
Never reduce comfort care, pain management, or basic care because a patient is DNR.
Report immediately any confusion or conflict among family members about the DNR status.
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Patient teaching
What patients must know
A DNR means we will not perform CPR, but we will keep you comfortable and treat your symptoms.
You can change your mind about a DNR at any time; just let us know.
A DNR does not mean we stop caring for you; all other care continues.
❓ Do Not Resuscitate Orders: NCLEX FAQs
What are the priority nursing interventions for Do Not Resuscitate Orders?
Verify the DNR is a current, signed provider order in the chart before withholding resuscitation. Communicate DNR status clearly during handoff, transfer, and to all team members. Continue all comfort, pain, hygiene, and supportive measures regardless of DNR status. Support the patient and family emotionally and clarify what a DNR does and does not mean.
What are the warning signs of Do Not Resuscitate Orders a nurse must report?
Never withhold CPR without a valid written DNR order in the chart; begin full resuscitation if none exists. Never reduce comfort care, pain management, or basic care because a patient is DNR. Report immediately any confusion or conflict among family members about the DNR status.
What do I need to know about Do Not Resuscitate Orders for the NCLEX?
A DNR requires a written order from the provider; it is not valid as a verbal-only or assumed order. A DNR means no CPR and no ACLS, but all other treatment and comfort care continues. A DNR is not the same as 'do not treat'; pain control, oxygen, hygiene, and dignity care are still provided. A competent patient or their proxy can request a DNR, and it can be reversed at any time.
What patient teaching is important for Do Not Resuscitate Orders?
A DNR means we will not perform CPR, but we will keep you comfortable and treat your symptoms. You can change your mind about a DNR at any time; just let us know. A DNR does not mean we stop caring for you; all other care continues.
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Quick Tip
A DNR requires a written order from the provider; it is not valid as a verbal-only or assumed order.