Which statement is true about the scope of a DNR order?

• A. It applies to all medical interventions.
• B. It applies to resuscitation efforts only.
• C. It requires renewal every hour.
• D. It requires physician presence to be valid.

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is that a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order specifies what to do if the patient experiences a cardiac or respiratory arrest. It means that resuscitation attempts, such as CPR, chest compressions, defibrillation, and other emergency life-support measures, should not be performed. This does not bar all other medical care—the patient can still receive appropriate treatments, comfort measures, antibiotics, fluids, and symptom management as needed.

A DNR is issued by a physician or authorized clinician and stays in effect until it’s changed or revoked, rather than needing renewal every hour. Also, once in place, it doesn’t require the physician to be physically present to be acted on; the order guides the care team during an arrest scenario.