When managing a DNR patient, what are you obligated to provide?

When managing a patient with a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order, the primary obligation is to provide supportive measures if indicated. A DNR order specifically indicates that the patient does not wish to undergo cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of cardiac arrest, but it does not imply that all medical interventions should cease. Instead, healthcare providers are expected to continue offering necessary care that maintains comfort and quality of life.

Supportive measures could include pain management, oxygen therapy, and other treatments aimed at comfort rather than curative interventions. This approach respects the patient’s wishes regarding resuscitation while ensuring they still receive appropriate care for their condition.

Understanding this distinction is crucial, as it allows caregivers to honor patient autonomy while still providing compassionate care. The other options suggest either inappropriate interventions or an absence of care that could contradict the patient's needs for comfort and management of symptoms.