if in doubt of code status should CPR be done ?

A few weeks ago a resident was found unresponsive by the nurse, the nurse did not know the code status and didn't do cpr, it was later concluded that the resident was a full code.

This has brought up a lot of thought at work. Now clearly the nurse should of had someone check the chart and did not do so.

My question is: if I find a resident unresponsive and don't know the code status right away should I start cpr or should I wait until the code status is determined ? I was personally taught to do cpr when in doubt however the directer of the facility seems to think otherwise. Please clarify.

[ellakate]

Start CPR.

[Perpetual Student]

Start CPR.

Yep, anything else opens you up to enormous liability issues.

Look at it this way: it's a lot easier (and more effective) to stop doing CPR after finding out that someone has a DNR than it is to start after finding out that the person does want CPR. Always err on the side of resuscitation when unsure.

[NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN]

Thank you both for the replies. I'm still bothered by the director of the facility thinking nothing should be done until the code status is determined. The director even stated one can be sued for doing cpr when in doubt, if the person was a dnr. As for me, I'm sticking to what I know and that's to start cpr when in doubt.

[poopyhead]

i would start CPR. By thinking in the way that even when we see someone inresponsive in the mall or public area I might start doing CPR. so why not in the hospital floor, unless the patient is under my primary care and I am in the situation in which obligated to know the code status.

[sassysteph7]

Once when I worked at a nursing home we had a resident who was a dnr but the nurse did not know that and did cpr and brought the patient back. the family was mad but did not sue the facility. I'd have done the same thing. chances are more residents are full codes than dnr's anyways.

Also, I'm not sure I'd want to work for someone who puts my license in jeopardy.

[iteachob, MSN, RN]

Thank you both for the replies. I'm still bothered by the director of the facility thinking nothing should be done until the code status is determined. The director even stated one can be sued for doing cpr when in doubt, if the person was a dnr. As for me, I'm sticking to what I know and that's to start cpr when in doubt.

Doesn't your director realize the risk of being sued for negligence for NOT starting CPR (when in doubt) on a person who is a full code?

Definitely start CPR, even when in doubt.

[NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN]

i would start CPR. By thinking in the way that even when we see someone inresponsive in the mall or public area I might start doing CPR. so why not in the hospital floor, unless the patient is under my primary care and I am in the situation in which obligated to know the code status.

I work in a facility with 1 nurse to all the residents, I don't know there status by memory I would have to refer to the chart.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I was taught in school that if it's not clear what their status is, you err on the side of caution and treat them as a full code.

[Moogie]

Also, I'm not sure I'd want to work for someone who puts my license in jeopardy.

ITA! I think I'd be looking for another job STAT. I have a feeling, with your director's attitude, that any nurse who erred would be thrown under the bus in case of a lawsuit.

[elkpark]

Is this "director" person a nurse??? I find that hard to imagine.

[Perpetual Student]

Is this "director" person a nurse??? I find that hard to imagine.

I'm thinking it's a FUNERAL director looking more business.