DNR/DNI Status

NBMom1225 · May 7, 2012

Our hospital has a sort of "a-la-cart" DNR, they can choose to have pressors with no intubation or compressions, compressions only, etc. For plain DNR we would not attempt resuscitation if they stop breathing: just call family and make them aware of the change in condition and reconfirm DNR status (just to be sure), and ask that they come in asap.

sapphire18 · May 7, 2012

Same here. Where I work, DNR includes DNI unless the pt has specified otherwise. If he wishes to be intubated, he should be a "no compressions," "intubation only," or something along those lines. But really, I would specify with the patient or family, if I were you.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · May 7, 2012

if a form was signed, and I sure hope it was, it should clearly outline your position. Maybe the case managers need to educate the staff on the aspects of advance directives.

BlueDevil,DNP, DNP, RN · May 7, 2012

If he has a official DNR status, I'd do nothing but hang the crepe.

Jenni811, RN · May 7, 2012

Intubate. No compressions though should it come to that.

Caffeine_IV · May 7, 2012

DNR means do not resuscitate period.

DNI means do not intubate so you get everything (meds, compression, etc) but no intubation.

That's how it goes in my facility.

That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B · May 7, 2012

They won't breathe long without their heart beating.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · May 7, 2012

If you have an issue deciding... review your facilities policy.

If you continue to have issues... take it to the ethics board.

Seems clear if the person did not want resuscitation, it would include no intubation.

Sheesh.. can't believe there is STILL no clear cut across the board .. nation .. efffing .. wide...definitions .. as to

what all the end of life terminology means!

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · May 7, 2012

If he has a official DNR status, I'd do nothing but hang the crepe.

Wow , I thought I was a hard a**.

However.. things change when you have to pull the plug on your own father.

Music in My Heart · May 7, 2012

Of course, it's entirely up to your facility's policies around resuscitation and intubation but in my book, intubation and mechanical ventilation for respiratory arrest are elements of resuscitation and therefore covered by his DNR (unless otherwise noted).

I'm with BlueDevil... if the DNR is in place, let him be on about his business.

Sun0408, ASN, RN · May 7, 2012

If they are a DNR and their heart stops of they stop breathing; we do NOTHING.. If they are a DNI, we do compression's and push drugs, we just don't intubate. The pts can state what they want and don't want.. I however love the ones that are DNR's; some can get crazy with DNR's. We have had some want use to push drugs but no compression's or any combo they can think of..