Code status

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Specializes in Ortho.

Can anyone give me a list of all the types of code status? I get DNR, DNI, comfort measures, full code... But I've recently started seeing things like code A and code B in clinicals, what specifically do those mean?

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I have never heard of code a or b. Im guessing its an agency- specific code.

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I've never heard of Code A or B. Ask your clinical instructor or a nurse what they indicate.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Can anyone give me a list of all the types of code status? I get DNR, DNI, comfort measures, full code... But I've recently started seeing things like code A and code B in clinical, what specifically do those mean?

This is why it is important to use only approved abbreviations.

These are clearly facility specific. You need to either ask your instructor or ask the facility.

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Specializes in retired LTC.
This is why it is important to use only approved abbreviations.

These are clearly facility specific. You need to either ask your instructor or ask the facility.

By all means, YES!

Can you picture the chaos if an unaware agency/travelling nurse has to make the decision!?!?!

For those more knowledgeable in critical care, might this refer to some type of resuscitative protocol?

Just asking.

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.
By all means, YES!

Can you picture the chaos if an unaware agency/travelling nurse has to make the decision!?!?!

For those more knowledgeable in critical care, might this refer to some type of resuscitative protocol?

Just asking.

I'm a critical care nurse, and have never heard this either. We use the standard DNR/DNI, DNR (for those who decline compressions/shocks but are ok with intubation for a reversible cause, e.g. influenza), and full code.

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Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.

Are "Code A" and "Code B" things you see written in the medical record, or are they things you hear announced on the PA system?

Most hospitals use facility specific terms for public announcements to communicate certain emergencies without revealing the details to non-employees. Examples are "Code Red" to alert there is a fire or "Code White" when security is needed. Unless you see "Code A" and "Code B" written as part of the patient's advance directive, they probably have nothing to do with resuscitation at all.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
By all means, YES!

Can you picture the chaos if an unaware agency/travelling nurse has to make the decision!?!?!

For those more knowledgeable in critical care, might this refer to some type of resuscitative protocol?

Just asking.

Sadly...they remain facility specific. There is more work towards "comfort care" type DNR for outside the hospital and EMS personnel but then they become state specific. :banghead:

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Specializes in Medical/Surgical/Telemetry RN.

In clinical on the patients chart you will typically see full code or no code. Full code means to do the full code (e.g., CPR). No code means essentially DNR. Those are typically the only code status I have seen on a medsurg floor.

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Full code, DNR-CC (comfort care only), and DNR-CCA (comfort care arrest...can intervene up to the point of cardiac or respiratory arrest. Many of the DNR-CCAs we have also specify things like no intubation, even no dialysis I've seen specified).

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Code A is a full code

Code B is a limited code, no Shock, no CPR

Code C means we do nothing. We let them go

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