Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Test

A resident with advance directions has a DNR order. What does this mean?

1. The resident should receive all possible treatments

2. The resident should not be resuscitated

3. The resident's wishes are not documented

4. The resident has chosen to end all treatments

The correct answer is: The resident should not be resuscitated

A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order indicates that the resident has made the decision that they do not wish to undergo cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or advanced cardiac life support in the event that their heart stops or they stop breathing. This is a legal document that reflects the resident's wishes regarding end-of-life care, emphasizing the importance of respecting their autonomy and choices regarding treatment. In this context, the DNR order signifies that if a medical emergency occurs where resuscitation would typically be administered, medical professionals should honor the resident's preference and refrain from initiating those life-saving measures. It is important to note that a DNR order does not mean that the resident will not receive other forms of medical care. Instead, it specifically relates to the actions taken in the event of cardiac arrest. The other provided choices describe situations or concepts that do not align with the specific implications of a DNR order, making them less relevant to the question regarding what the DNR means for the resident's care.