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

The purpose of a "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) order is to indicate that a patient does not wish to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event that their heart stops beating, or they stop breathing. This directive is an important part of advance care planning and reflects the individual's wishes regarding end-of-life care. Patients may have various reasons for not wanting resuscitation, including a desire for a natural death, the belief that resuscitation would not be beneficial in their medical situation, or personal, cultural, or religious considerations.

Establishing a DNR order involves a conversation between the patient, their loved ones, and healthcare providers to ensure that everyone understands the patient's wishes and that these wishes are respected in critical situations. The other options do not relate to the specific intent of a DNR order, which is solely focused on the patient's choices regarding resuscitation efforts.