The DNR Order

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses the bioethics issue of the do not resuscitate or DNR order. The paper discusses the importance of an individual under medical care actually understanding the implications of this document. The paper contends that the DNR order itself must be institutionalized as well as the procedures used to obtain signatures.

From the Paper:

"In my experience as a health care provider I have seen many a document signed without regard to making certain that the individual has the right to sign the document (especially in the case of family signing for individuals in emergency care situations where the individual cannot sign for him or herself) and in situations where documents were signed by individuals who did not fully understand the implications or meaning of them. I have also seen many documents needing a signature of a witness be signed by medical professionals who were not actually present when a signature was obtained from patient or family. As this is usually thought of as an adjunct to their actual work as clinical providers they do not seem to give the significance of their actions or the implications of the documentation much regard."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Johnstone, M. (Ed.). (1999). Bioethics: A Nursing Perspective. Sydney, N.S.W.: Harcourt Saunders.
• Mcnamara, B. (2001). Fragile Lives : Death, Dying and Care /. Crows Nest, N.S.W.: Allen & Unwin.
• Mezey, M., & Latimer, B. (1993). The Patient Self-Determination Act: An Early Look at Implementation. The Hastings Center Report, 23(1), 16.
• (1999). Processing of Medical Information in Aging Patients: Cognitive and Human Factors Perspectives (D. C. Park, R. W. Morrell, & K. Shifren, Ed.). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
• Saunders, D. E. (2003). Removing the Mask. The Hastings Center Report, 33(2), 12.

More papers on The DNR Order:

• Argumentative Essay # 63540 : "A "Do-Not-Resuscitate" - DNR Order"
• Research Paper # 94047 : "Unilateral Do Not Resuscitate Orders (DNR)"
• Term Paper # 93859 : "Do Not Resuscitate Orders"

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