DNR/DNI-what is it and what should you say when asked about it?
DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) and DNI (Do Not Intubate) are medical orders that indicate the patient’s wishes for certain medical interventions in the event of a life-threatening event.
A DNR order is a medical order that instructs healthcare professionals not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if the patient’s heart stops beating or if they stop breathing. This means that the healthcare team will not attempt to revive the patient if their heart stops beating or if they stop breathing. A DNR order may be appropriate for patients who have a terminal illness or who have advanced medical conditions and do not wish to have CPR performed.
A DNI order is a medical order that instructs healthcare professionals not to intubate the patient, or place a tube down the patient’s throat to help them breathe, in the event of a life-threatening event. This means that the healthcare team will not use a breathing machine to help the patient breathe if they are unable to do so on their own. A DNI order may be appropriate for patients who have a terminal illness or who have advanced medical conditions and do not wish to be intubated.
It is important for patients to discuss their wishes for DNR and DNI orders with their healthcare team and to make their wishes known in writing through a healthcare directive or living will. This can help to ensure that their wishes are followed in the event of a life-threatening event.
In the hospital, we ask whether patients want DNR or DNI order to be placed in their chart. Every patient’s chart should have these orders. So, doctors will ask you about these when you get admitted to the hospital. Do not get upset when you hear questions about this from your healthcare provider. They are supposed to ask every patient and document about these in the chart.
Don’t just say “I don’t want to be intubated” because you are afraid of getting intubated. Of course, everyone is scared about these. There are a few conditions that need temporary intubation. So, most WILLS say that a particular person is okay with intubation if needed for an emergency temporarily but do not want to be intubated forever if there is no chance of recovery. Please read your WILL to see what it says.
