what would you do?

[tx2007]

Ok hypothetical question here... lets say you go into a patients room right after report and you find the pt not breathing and no pulse you have no idea how long they have been like this do you call a code or not??? I would say yes, but I asked several nurses and they couldn't give me an answer!!!

[locolorenzo22, BSN, RN]

DNR orders are something you should consider a HIGH priority, as if you start a code on someone who is a DNR, what is your rationale for coding them if the paperwork is the first thing in the chart. We have a colored sticker on patient nametags at the hospital for folks who are DNR's..helps us techs be a little easier.

Outside of that, I'd call a code, pull the call light out of the wall, and start doing CPR....or i'd sit down and have a custard long john, maybe a box of strawberry filled donut holes, or even a coffee creme frosted glazed donut....

[tx2007, RN]

thanks for the replies I just didnt know like if they have been dead for a long time if everyone would get mad if you called a code. I found it interesting however that out of the 6 nurses I asked at work NONE of them knew the definant answer, they all said "I don't know maybe call a code or just call for the charge if they are REALLY dead."

[manofcare]

One of the first questions to ask during clinicals in the nursing home is how do they designate DNR pt's. One home that I worked at had small red hearts by the Code pt, and nothing by the DNR's. In first semester hospital clinicals we wrote the pt up prior to the day of care and that was one important piece of info. we had to know. If in doubt go for Code. I'll deal with the ramifications of starting life-saving measures on a pt that is DNR, rather than allowing someone to die from indicision. If you do nothing, you have basically acted as though the pt was DNR and sentenced them to death. This is one place where knowing details about your pt is really important.

[cherokeesummer]

If you know the DNR status then go with it - if its DNR then don't start cpr but if you don't know the code status or if they are not dnr then call a code and do what you can. If they are obviously dead you still need to call someone...

Now...about those donuts?!

[S.T.A.C.E.Y, LPN]

At the nsg home my mother worked at as a CNA, if someone had obviously died in the middle of the night (and wasn't DNR) they were supposed to call a code, and call 911. When the paramedics arrived, they would try working but often just called it (usually no doc on site in the AM to call it themselves). Then the funeral home was called to pick up the body.

My answer: Call the code, work it, and follow policy. Next time you're at work look it up and maybe print it out for others to read.....a little extra education for those who couldn't answer your question can't be a bad thing.

[JBudd, MSN]

If you don't know their code status, call the code and start. If they're "really dead" you won't change anything; if they come back, well there you go. (Cold and in rigor mortis makes CPR really difficult )

Delaying calling a code is the worst thing you can do, because as you know, early defibrillation is what saves people.

[Scrubz]

If the patient was a DNR then you really can't do anything except notify the proper personel.

If the patient wasn't a DNR then you call a code and start CPR. Because chances are if the person didn't agree to a DNR then they probably want to live.

Regardless of how long you think the person hasn't been breathing, if the person isn't a DNR then you call a code and start CPR.