Study reveals uncertainty among nurses regarding the impact of DNRs

A study of nurse perceptions of do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders at a large urban hospital concluded education, advocacy and other steps are needed to clear up the misinterpretation by many who think DNRs mean “do not treat.” The researchers surveyed 35 direct care nurses and interviewed 13, asking them to respond to a case study by indicating how they would prioritize care based on the patient's DNR designation. The majority chose to prioritize palliative care, despite no indication any plan of care was in place.