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In contrast to a living will, a "do not resuscitate (DNR) order becomes valid when:

a. the patient has a terminal illness.
b. the patient develops cardiac arrest.
c. the patient is in a health care setting.
d. it is signed by three or more physicians.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

A DNR order becomes valid when the patient develops cardiac arrest, indicating that medical professionals should not perform life-saving measures. Different from a living will, it reflects the patient's choices about end-of-life care. It is a legal directive tailored to the individual's beliefs and quality of life considerations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct option : b

This is a clear directive which states that medical personnel such as doctors and nurses should not perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or other life-saving measures if a patient's heart stops or if they stop breathing. A DNR order is different from a living will; while a living will expresses a person's wishes regarding end-of-life care when they are no longer able to communicate, a DNR is a specific order used in a medical setting.

In essence, a DNR comes into play during critical situations where a patient undergoes cardiac arrest. It respects the wishes of the patient who may not want to undergo certain life-extending procedures. Health care providers are bound to honor this legal document, which does not necessarily indicate the person has a terminal illness—just that they do not wish for resuscitation in the event their heart or breathing stops. It is also worth noting that a DNR order is typically signed by the patient or their healthcare proxy, not by multiple physicians, although it is created under the guidance and consultation of a healthcare provider.

Advance directives such as living wills and DNRs are intimately connected to one's personal beliefs and experiences. Making the choice for a DNR can stem from a variety of reasons including religious beliefs, ethical considerations, personal values about quality of life, and experiences with the medical system. Setting up a DNR is an important aspect of medical planning and patient autonomy, reflecting modern societal attitudes towards dying with dignity and the right to refuse unwanted medical interventions.

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