ption for those who wish it. For those who do not wish it, however, it should also be an option.
In her study of the "Do not resuscitate" order, Proulx (1998) discussed issues regarding when to call a code and issues specifically related to DNR orders. She explored two different strategies nurses might use in responding to what she termed futile code situations. She also noted that DNR orders raise questions of medical ethic in a wide range of situations, including those regarding surgical procedures.
Edwards (1997) noted that the DNR order might be more variable depending upon the patient's situation. For example, she noted that a patient with a DNR might be more likely to agree to resuscitation in spite of the DNR if the operation was undergoing surgery that was expected to be curative or therapeutic. However, she indicated that if the surgery was simply designed to be palliative, then the patient may wish to hold the operating room team to the DRN.
In other words, it the operation seemed likely to the patient to make
...